Accountability arrives. As providers weigh the regulations for accountable care organizations, many wonder if the risks are worth the possible rewards.

As providers peruse the new regulations for accountable care organizations, they're wondering if they want to join in. "Most providers have less comfort with downside risk. ... So your typical hospital or provider CEO will look at this ACO rule and think, 'I'm used to fee-for-service; I'm not used to risk-sharing.' I think that's going to make this voluntary program unattractive to a whole host of provider types," says Chet Speed, left, of the AMGA.