Define an accountable care organization (ACO).

An accountable care organization (ACO) is best defined as a group of healthcare providers coordinating patient care. This model emphasizes the importance of collaboration among various healthcare professionals—including doctors, hospitals, and other providers—to improve the quality of care delivered to patients while simultaneously managing costs.

ACOs are designed to take collective responsibility for the total health of a defined patient population. By sharing information and resources, providers within an ACO work together to ensure that patients receive timely and appropriate care, which can help reduce unnecessary tests and procedures, ultimately leading to better health outcomes. The ACO structure encourages the sharing of best practices, incentivizes preventive care, and focuses on maintaining the health of patients rather than just treating illnesses.

In contrast, the other options do not fully capture the essence of an ACO. A sector of public health officials pertains more to public health roles and responsibilities, a regulatory body for healthcare standards focuses on governance and compliance rather than direct patient care, and a population health management system refers to an approach that may encompass ACOs but is broader and focuses on managing the health outcomes of a specific population through organized interventions.