Competitive Dynamics of Physician Referrals in the Era of ACOs

This study will examine the relationships between ACO entry and competitive dynamics in regional health care markets, specifically seeking to understand how local market ACO penetration affects referral patterns from PCPs to specialists and whether changes in referral patterns mediate the relationship between ACO entry and cost/quality in the market. By considering the competitive market dynamics related to ACOs, this study is expected to extend the evidence base on ACOs.