DALLAS-One of the most important elements of the new Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is the concept of accountable care organizations. ACOs, which are networks of doctors and hospitals that share responsibility for providing care to patients, will determine the future design of healthcare real estate, according to experts who spoke at the 2011 Medical Office Buildings & Healthcare Facilities Conference.

Nearly 700 healthcare real estate executives attended the conference sponsored by the Building Owners & Managers Association and held at Hyatt Regency Downtown. The idea of ACOs was discussed during the general session titled: “Anatomy of a Trend: Assessing Future Demand for In and Outpatient Facilities.” Anne Barbour, vice president and national asset manager for Healthcare Realty, moderated the panel.

“ACOs will drive the plans and the funding for future facilities,” said Dr. Connie Curran, president of healthcare consulting firm Curran Associates and a panelist. Other panelists included: Michael Arvin, healthcare consultant, Graham Reeve, CEO of Baptist Health System and Walter Jones, senior vice president of facilities planning & development for Parkland Health & Hospital System.