Evaluating Inpatient Hospital Charges Associated With Trauma Service Patients Participating in an Accountable Care Organization.

Background: The Medicare Accountable Care Organization (ACO) Program has created a vehicle for providers who practice cost containment and exceed quality for the Medicare population. The success of ACO's nationwide have been well documented. However, there is little research evaluating if there is a cost saving benefit in trauma care with respect to participating in an ACO.