Accountable Care Organizations

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AAFP along with state chapters have developed two new resources to assist members in exploring practice style options and ACOs. From the strategic perspective of a family physician, The Family Physician’s Practice Affiliation Guide explores the trends driving physicians toward collaboration and affiliation, weighs the advantages and disadvantages of various affiliation options, and provides a detailed analysis of the hospital employment model. It looks at legal implications of various practice affiliations, and how the patient-centered medical home can be incorporated into these models. According to the guide’s introduction, “There are compelling ‘offensive’ and ‘defensive’ reasons to consider integration and specific guideposts to assure a successful and sustainable partnership.”

The Family Physician’s ACO Blueprint for Success is a two-part guide to help family physicians develop their strategy to evaluate and implement a successful accountable care organization. Part one examines these new organizations and identifies essential elements, generally addressing specialties and facilities. Part two applies the principles and processes of the guide specifically for the family physician.


The PCMH and ACO Models: How They Work Together.
The Patient Centered Medical Home and Accountable Care Organization models are complementary. LAFP is committed to ensuring that ACO development in Louisiana advances the PCMH in family physician practices.