What is one challenge that CFOs face with ACOs regarding patient financial risks?

CFOs encounter a significant challenge with Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) when it comes to limited data on patient acceptance under risk arrangements. This limitation is critical as ACOs operate under shared savings models that require accurate and comprehensive data to assess patient risk accurately.

When patient acceptance of these risk arrangements is low, it complicates the CFO's efforts to predict costs and revenues accurately. A lack of understanding regarding which patients will embrace these risk-sharing initiatives can lead to financial unpredictability, as the model hinges on the assumption that a sufficient number of patients will actively engage in care management practices and compliance, which ultimately drives down costs and enhances care quality.

In contrast, other options present challenges that are less directly tied to the core financial risks associated with ACOs. For instance, limited understanding of financial statements doesn’t specifically relate to the mechanics of ACOs, complete data on patient health, while essential, is not the pressing financial risk concern, and the ability to set prices for services typically falls within regulatory frameworks rather than being a direct challenge posed by the ACO model.