Associates in Family Medicine is encouraging collaboration to improve outcomes
Associates in Family Medicine (AFM) is embracing both the potential value and opportunity Coordinated Care provides to participating members. With offices in Fort Collins, Windsor and Loveland, AFM has been offering quality care in the region for nearly 60 years. Since joining Coordinated Care, the chance to deliver an even higher level of care is possible.
“In a rapidly changing health care environment, a shift to value-based reimbursement presents an advantage,” says James Sprowell, MD, AFM’s chief executive officer. “The Network emphasizes provider and insurance payer collaboration, which allows us to align our common goals to deliver measurable quality medical care in a more cost-effective manner for patients.”
AFM has gained valuable insight from enhanced data collection, validation and analytic resources provided by the Network. Primary Care Panel Metrics deliver continuous monitoring of wellness and disease metrics by office and individual providers.
“Knierim Classification Index (KCI) Risk Stratification Tool is one of the risk tools AFM utilizes to identify individual patients by health risk for development and implementation of personalized care plans,” says Dr. Sprowell. “It’s making a measurable difference in quality of care.”
Prior to joining the Network, AFM developed infrastructure and processes to support a team-based, comprehensive approach to health care. On a patient, staff and provider level, AFM continues to advance this effort by hiring additional providers, clinical pharmacists, social workers, quality improvement nurses and quality improvement specialists. Coordinated Care greatly expands those partnerships and collaborative opportunities for AFM.
Another valuable advantage: the ability to follow patients’ medical care at all points of contact within the Network’s electronic medical records (EMR) system.
“Our patients appreciate the integration of the EMR system,” says Dr. Sprowell. “It allows us to avoid once cumbersome medical record transfers and registration redundancies.”
In addition to gaining efficiencies through resource integration, AFM has actively participated in the Network’s Clinical Transformation Workgroups. Having a seat at the table gives AFM an opportunity to connect at the highest levels within the Network, share best practices and participate in a blueprint for success.
“Collaboration with other Coordinated Care members has been both challenging and mutually rewarding,” says Dr. Sprowell. “Being connected with other members and influencers allows all of us to improve population health outcomes, improve patient and provider satisfaction, and reduce overall health care costs.”