A milestone worth celebrating
In the 2024 performance year, Sound Long-Term Care Management (SLTCM) ranked first nationwide in savings generated among Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) accountable care organizations (ACOs) serving patients in long-term care and assisted living facilities¹. It’s a financial milestone we’re proud of, but what it represents means even more.
Our achievement is particularly meaningful because of the patients we serve. SLTCM’s population faces extraordinary challenges, with more complications from chronic illness and poorer health outcomes than the average Medicare beneficiary:
- Mortality rates are significantly higher than in community-based populations
- Septicemia, dementia, and other catastrophic diseases are 11 to 15 times more common
- Their profound clinical complexity requires levels of coordination that few organizations achieve
Despite these challenges, SLTCM has demonstrated that prioritizing patients delivers measurable results—for residents, their families, and the sustainability of Medicare itself. Every dollar saved helps stretch Medicare’s resources further, supporting more beneficiaries and preserving a program that millions depend on.
This success wouldn’t be possible without our partner clinicians , facilities, and care teams. Every improvement reflects our shared commitment to patient-centered care.
More than numbers: The difference better care makes
Behind every data point is a person—a patient whose life is shaped by the quality of care they receive, a family navigating difficult choices, and a dedicated care team working to improve outcomes. While the savings are impressive, what truly matters is how we achieved them.
In 2024, SLTCM’s collaborative approach delivered measurable improvements2:
- 7.6% fewer emergency department (ED) visits
- 13.8% fewer ED-to-hospital admissions
- 13.3% fewer short-term hospitalizations
These aren’t just statistics. They represent real people receiving care in familiar surroundings, supported by trusted providers.
Every avoided hospital visit preserves quality of life and eases the burden on residents and their families. Hospitalizations can introduce complications, emotional stress, and logistical strain. By keeping residents stable where they live, SLTCM improves outcomes through proactive care coordination and early intervention.
What’s behind the results
SLTCM strengthens provider communication, uses analytics to identify concerns before they escalate, and strategically deploys telemedicine to ensure consistent coverage, all of which enhance care for those who need it most.
Our success is built on three core strategies:
- Data-driven support: Advanced analytics help us identify residents who need attention before problems escalate
- Care coordination at scale: Interdisciplinary teams and telemedicine ensure seamless coverage and continuity, even on nights and weekends
- Provider engagement: Shared data, aligned goals, and a culture of accountability empower clinicians to do their best work
These strategies aren’t theoretical; they’re working. Our collaborative approach is making a tangible difference in patients’ lives, enhancing access to high-quality care, and driving measurable improvements in health outcomes.
Contributing to a stronger Medicare
SLTCM’s success reinforces both local care and the broader Medicare system. Better-coordinated care for high-needs patients reduces avoidable costs and frees up resources nationwide. These savings reflect collaboration among clinicians, partners, and facilities—not a single organization acting alone.
Every dollar saved helps Medicare serve more beneficiaries and sustain the vital services millions rely on.
Each improvement, no matter how small, helps build a more resilient and sustainable system. That’s the ripple effect of value-based care done right.
Looking ahead, together
Our work doesn’t stop here. We’re applying what we’ve learned to expand access, develop new partnerships, and continually improve care for every patient we serve.
SLTCM is grateful for what we’ve achieved together and proud of the foundation we’ve built. In the coming year, we’ll build on this momentum—advancing care coordination, strengthening partnerships, and continuing to provide uncompromising support to our facility and clinician partners so they can better care for their patients.
Sources:
2 Data sources: Medicare fee-for-service claims data and SLTCM internal analytics;
values rounded to one decimal place.