Which of the following best describes the relationship focus of an ACO?

The relationship focus of an Accountable Care Organization (ACO) is best described by collaboration in patient care management. ACOs are designed to improve the quality of care while reducing costs, emphasizing teamwork among healthcare providers. This collaborative approach allows providers to share information, align their objectives, and coordinate patient care effectively.

By fostering a collaborative environment, ACOs aim to reduce duplication of services, manage chronic diseases more effectively, and ensure that patients receive comprehensive care tailored to their needs. This not only enhances patient satisfaction but also leads to better health outcomes by ensuring that all aspects of a patient's care are considered and managed in an integrated manner.

The other options reflect different focuses that do not align with the primary objectives of an ACO. Competitive care among providers may lead to fragmentation and inefficiency, while independence of services can create silos that hinder communication and collaboration. Profit orientation in service delivery can detract from the ACO's mission of enhancing patient care and achieving better health outcomes. Thus, collaboration is at the core of what makes ACOs effective in improving patient care management.