BlueCross BlueShield of Texas and the Texas Medical Association are partnering to launch a first-of-its-kind initiative: an ACO-like organization with a medical association, rather than a hospital or health system.
The partnership, called TMA PracticeEdge, is especially significant in Texas, where about two-thirds of physicians practice in independent solo or group practices, according to a 2014 TMA survey. While most ACOs are organized by a hospital system, the organizations say TMA PracticeEdge will help connect physicians centered on the needs of their specific patients.
Like other physician-led ACOs, TMA PracticeEdge aims to help TMA's extensive physician network transition to value-based care for BCBSTX beneficiaries. With 48,000 physician and medical student members, TMA is the largest state medical association in the country. BCBSTX serves more than 5 million beneficiaries.
The partnership will give participating TMA physicians access to resources to help them provide coordinated, collaborative patient care. TMA PracticeEdge plans to help physicians focus on patient care by providing consultations to reduce the data-entry burden and help coordinating care management teams for high-risk patients.
"BCBSTX will work with TMA to give physicians alternatives to today's fee-for-service system," TMA President Austin I. King, MD, said in a statement. "With today's announcement, BCBSTX becomes the first health insurer to stand by independent Texas physicians in support of 21st century patient care."
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