January 12, 2016
In this week’s issue of Annals of Family Medicine, I’ve published an article that describes how independent primary physicians, with the right tools, are best suited to provide quality care in a value based health care system. More than half of all family medicine physicians are still caring for patients in practices with 5 or fewer providers. But, how can these doctors compete against large hospital groups, especially as hospitals continue to buy up doctor groups?
In the article, I discuss how independent primary care physicians can thrive in the new health care economy if they come together with other like minded practices that are dedicated to value based care and the virtues of a small, personalized practice. By forming an accountable care organization, independent doctors can stay independent, take advantage of the network effect, and continue to provide quality care to their patients.
The article also reflects on what we’ve seen and learned in the 18 months since we started Aledade. If you are interested, please read the article, which can be found at https://www.annfammed.org/content/14/1/5.