TransforMED and the American Academy of Family Physicians — Stronger Together

It could be the Lone Ranger and Tonto or Butch and Sundance, but whatever the analogy, TransforMED and the AAFP are major players in the drive to have the value of primary care fully recognized.  Each organization individually is a force for primary care, but together their strength and credibility is unrivaled.

The AAFP founded TransforMED in 2005 with $8.5 million dollars out of reserves because it believed in the future and critical importance of Family Medicine to the US health care system.  They also understood that Family Medicine and indeed primary care needed to change if it was going to survive. 

The goal for TransforMED, operating as a division of the AAFP, at that time was to test a "new model of care" now commonly known as the Patient-Centered Medical Home and to develop tools and resources to support practices in practice redesign within the context of a 2 year demonstration project.  

When the National Demonstration Project was completed in 2008, the AAFP recognized the value of the Medical Home Model of Care to primary care physicians and the US health system and positioned TransforMED as a non-profit, independent subsidiary.  The goal was for TransforMED to be self-sustaining, entrepreneurial and flexible in reacting to the rapidly changing health care landscape – while broadening the mission to support all of primary care.   

All of those goals have been met. The vision and wisdom of the AAFP to position TransforMED as the thought leader and gold standard for the Medical Home Model of Care has exceeded all expectations. 

TransforMED supports a multitude of small practices across the country, participates in a large number of payer pilots from coast to coast, and is involved with transforming the primary care infrastructure of FQHC's and state Medicaid programs.

TransforMED is also viewed as a leader in residency redesign working with a large number of primary care residencies across the country , both Family Medicine and Internal Medicine. 

An activity of critical importance to many primary care physicians, but often overlooked,  is TransforMED's involvement in large hospital systems and  multi-specialty groups that are positioning for accountable care payment methodologies.  More than 40% of Family Physicians are employed by large systems.  TransforMED is uniquely positioned to advocate for the value of primary care in these large system environments and support system redesign to leverage the capabilities and value of primary care.

The other half of the "primary care dream team" is the American Academy of Family Physicians.  The AAFP is the largest physician membership organization whose entire membership is comprised of primary care physicians.  The 97,000 member strong organization commands a strong presence in state and federal legislatures and is an unwavering advocate for primary care. 

As a dues-paying member of the AAFP for over 30 years, I was loyal and faithful but did not appreciate the influence the AAFP is able to leverage on behalf of its members.  Policy makers and stakeholders truly listen when the AAFP speaks.   

When the largest, most influential primary care member association is coupled with the gold standard for primary care practice redesign, primary care practices truly have the "Dream Team" in their court.  The AAFP along with state AFP chapters is constantly advocating for members at the state and national level.

The AAFP "paints the picture" and shows the path though its advocacy efforts while TransforMED demonstrates that the picture can actually be implemented and the path traveled.  TransforMED is "in the weeds" in practices and health system supporting primary care practices to be successful both financially and in perceived value.

TransforMED conducts national and regional educational meetings;  project-specific collaborative meetings; an extensive PCMH workbook series; regular webinars on PCMH, practice management and chronic disease best practice; the Delta-Exchange virtual learning community –  as well as multiple opportunities for virtual and facilitated practice redesign services. 

The AAFP strives to make TransforMED services available to members, as exemplified in the 50% discount to the Delta Exchange provided to AAFP members.  State AFP chapters are partnering with TransforMED in several states to provide the Small Practice Package.

The value of primary care is increasing by the day, thanks to the strength and resources of TransforMED and the American Academy of Family Physicians.