The Business Case for ACP: Reducing Costs & Improving Outcomes

Effective advance care planning (ACP) is essential in today’s healthcare landscape, helping patients make informed decisions about their future care. When ACP is done well, it can lead to improved patient outcomes, reduced healthcare costs, and greater efficiency in care delivery. However, inconsistent or incomplete ACP documentation can result in unnecessary hospitalizations, administrative burdens, and delays in medical decisions. 

The Impact of Inconsistent ACP Documentation 

When ACP documentation is fragmented or absent, it creates inefficiencies across healthcare systems, often resulting in costly and unnecessary interventions. Research shows that structured ACP practices can significantly reduce end-of-life hospital costs by up to 36%, while also ensuring that patients' preferences are respected and followed. This leads to improved patient satisfaction and outcomes. 

Additionally, value-based care models—such as those supported by CMS—encourage the integration of structured ACP into care delivery. Organizations that prioritize ACP are better positioned to meet these requirements and improve overall care quality. 

How ACP Can Support Your Organization 

Organizations with a strong ACP program benefit from enhanced compliance, reduced costs, and more engaged patients. Key impacts include: 

• Reducing Healthcare Costs: By proactively addressing end-of-life care preferences, ACP reduces unnecessary hospitalizations and costly interventions, resulting in substantial savings. 

• Improving Compliance with Regulations: Structured ACP processes align with CMS guidelines and quality measures for value-based care, ensuring that your organization meets regulatory requirements. 

• Enhancing Patient Engagement: A well-implemented ACP program empowers patients to make informed decisions about their care, leading to better outcomes and more personalized care plans. 

• Improving Documentation and Accessibility: By integrating ACP documentation into secure, accessible registries, organizations can ensure that patients’ wishes are consistently honored, no matter where care is provided. 

A Collaborative Approach to Effective ACP 

A successful ACP program requires a comprehensive and scalable approach. With ACP Complete, healthcare organizations gain access to a solution that streamlines ACP implementation, from facilitating patient discussions to ensuring documentation is accessible and compliant with regulations. By leveraging the expertise of trusted partners like Backline by DrFirst, Five Wishes, MyDirectives and MIDEO Health, ACP Complete supports organizations in implementing ACP more effectively, improving both operational efficiency and patient-centered care. 

Learn More About ACP 

Strong ACP programs are a key driver of quality care, cost savings, and patient satisfaction. By standardizing processes, healthcare organizations can reduce costs, enhance compliance, and ensure that patient wishes are always honored. 

To learn more about the best practices for ACP and how you can implement a successful program, visit the following resources: 

📌 Explore ACP best practices: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/advance-care-planning/advance-care-planning-advance-directives-health-care

📌 See how ACP Complete simplifies this process: backlinehealth.com/acp-complete