John Venetos, MD, has been a champion of independent physicians throughout his careers. He specialized in gastroenterology and hepatology, practicing on Chicago's north side. But he also has a mind for business and drive to maintain independence.
In 2012, Dr. Venetos created the Independent Physician's ACO of Chicago, hoping to improve patient care and reduce costs with the accountable care organization. The ACO has a 15-physician board of directors that also includes two non-physician representatives.
"We were seeing that physicians were being recruited and bought by various hospital chains and we wanted the physicians to be able to have a response to this," said Dr. Venetos in a Becker's ASC Review report. "As a result we began to have small group discussions to become proactive and find a solution to healthcare reform."
The ACO works with the Chicago Health IT Regional Extension Center, which helps participating practices achieve Stage 1 and Stage 2 Meaningful Use. The ACO began as 100 surgeons and has more than doubled since then. As of December 2013, the ACO had nearly 300 participating physicians.
"In order for us to grow, we have to go out and recruit the best and busiest physicians to work with us," said Dr. Venetos. "We wanted to maintain our independence so we could recruit physicians from all hospital systems throughout Chicagoland."
Earlier this year, Dr. Venetos spoke with FoxNews's Greta Van Susteren of "On the Road" to as an expert discussing health insurance exchanges. He touched on the confusion around the exchange launches.
Dr. Venetos earned his medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine.
In 2012, Dr. Venetos created the Independent Physician's ACO of Chicago, hoping to improve patient care and reduce costs with the accountable care organization. The ACO has a 15-physician board of directors that also includes two non-physician representatives.
"We were seeing that physicians were being recruited and bought by various hospital chains and we wanted the physicians to be able to have a response to this," said Dr. Venetos in a Becker's ASC Review report. "As a result we began to have small group discussions to become proactive and find a solution to healthcare reform."
The ACO works with the Chicago Health IT Regional Extension Center, which helps participating practices achieve Stage 1 and Stage 2 Meaningful Use. The ACO began as 100 surgeons and has more than doubled since then. As of December 2013, the ACO had nearly 300 participating physicians.
"In order for us to grow, we have to go out and recruit the best and busiest physicians to work with us," said Dr. Venetos. "We wanted to maintain our independence so we could recruit physicians from all hospital systems throughout Chicagoland."
Earlier this year, Dr. Venetos spoke with FoxNews's Greta Van Susteren of "On the Road" to as an expert discussing health insurance exchanges. He touched on the confusion around the exchange launches.
Dr. Venetos earned his medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine.