In a combination of two companies focused on developing new patient-centered care models, Paladina Health today announced the acquisition of ModernMed, a primary care operator with locations in 12 states.
ModernMed operates both onsite employer-based clinics and private physician practices operating on a model that emphasizes prevention, wellness and nutrition, while also seeking to improve the care experience of patients, and reducing costs. Its model and philosophy are closely aligned with Paladina.
[See also: MGMA: Most medical practices in process of transforming to PCMH model.]
“Our mission at Paladina Health is to provide unbiased advocacy and outstanding care for our patients,” said Misha Palecek, president of Paladina Health, in a press release announcing the acquisition. “ModernMed’s vision, outstanding network of providers and history of excellent care are a tremendous addition to our efforts.”
The company operates a primary model that allows individuals, and companies on behalf of their employees, to pay a set monthly membership fee for access to the Paladina care team. The company states that its doctors are paid based on patient satisfaction, quality metrics and clinical outcomes, as opposed to a fee-for-service model.
This translates to “more personalized and comprehensive appointments and expanded patient access to their care team. Better access for employees typically translates to improved employee health, optimization of existing healthcare coverage and improved productivity,” according to information on the company’s website.
Specifically, Paladina Health achieves these care improvement and cost savings by:
- Reducing the number of patients each physician supports by 65-70 percent vs. that in traditional primary care settings, allowing physicians to provide their patients with significantly higher access to care and health coaching;
- Changing patient payment to a fixed monthly membership fee rather than traditional fee-for-service physician reimbursement (where financial incentives are linked to administering more treatments and procedures);
- Providing tools that enable patients to make informed, empowered choices about specialist and acute care providers; and
- Holding its providers accountable for their patients’ health outcomes and satisfaction with their care experience.
Waukesha, Wis.-based ModernMed currently operates 16 physician practice/clinic locations and eight onsite corporate locations. CEO and founder Jami Doucette, MD, will remain with the company in a management role.