Kelsey-Seybold Clinic named first accredited accountable care organization

Kelsey-Seybold Clinic was recently named the first organization in the United States to be accredited as an accountable care organization.

The accreditation is awarded by the National Committee for Quality Assurance, an independent, nonprofit organization that strives to improve healthcare quality, according to a Texas Medical Association press release.

Established in 1990, the committee manages voluntary accreditation programs for physicians, health plans and medical groups.

"We are pleased to have the honor of receiving the first ACO accreditation," said Dr. Spencer Berthelsen, chairman of the board and managing director of Kelsey-Seybold Clinic, in the press release. "It confirms our successful creation of a fully coordinated, accountable model of care at Kelsey-Seybold."

Berthelsen said that the term accountable care organization and its abbreviated acronym, ACO, have only been in existence for a few years.

The Kelsey Seybold accountable care delivery model has been ranked among the best in the nation, according to the release.

Accountable care has four criteria, including an evidence-based approach to providing care, a heavy investment in information technology and record keeping, a means of measuring quality and efficiency and a reformed payment system that moves away from patient volume.

With a network of 20 clinics throughout Houston, Kelsey-Seybold has more than 360 physicians with more than 50 medical specialties.

The main campus is at 2727 W. Holcombe Blvd., Houston.

For more information, call 713-442-0000 or visit www.kelsey-seybold.com.