SynerMed's announces a 35 percent growth in membership since the beginning of the first quarter of 2009

SynerMed, Inc. today announced a 35 percent growth in membership since the beginning of the first quarter of 2009. Representing 550,000 beneficiaries through its clients, SynerMed is the largest Medicaid managed service organization (MSO) in the country.

SynerMed’s explosive growth – a 92 percent increase in membership since the beginning of 2008 – confirms that its coordinated care management model is a sustainable solution for physicians in today’s changing health care environment.

SynerMed integrates physicians through technology, evidence-based medicine, streamlined work flow and advanced management processes. The company’s physician-led management structure organizes groups of providers - primary care physicians, specialists and hospitals - and holds them responsible for the quality and cost of care for their beneficiaries. This cohesive model, which is nearly identical to the Accountable Care Organization (ACO) model proposed in President Obama’s “America’s Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009,” creates an integrated delivery system that establishes incentives that are more sustainable than those in the current fee-for-service (FFS) model – a model that drives up volume without improving quality.

“Many physician organizations are seeking a comprehensive management solution that will allow them to survive and prosper during this time of health care reform, reimbursement cuts and economic uncertainty,” said James P. Mason, president and chief operating officer of SynerMed, Inc. and a member of the board for the California Association of Physician Groups (CAPG). “We’re thrilled to see that the new administration has recognized the collaborative care model – which has worked for Independent Physician Associations (IPAs) in California since the early 90s – as a solution for health care in America.”

By assigning each patient a “medical home” - a primary care physician who is responsible for the patient’s health outcomes - SynerMed creates a team approach to the delivery of care. In addition to enhancing quality of care and increasing access to needed care, this model promotes identification, management and prevention of chronic illness. The result is beneficial to both the patient and the system. The patient receives affordable, quality care, and there is a noticeable reduction in emergency room usage, hospital admissions and unnecessary tests and procedures.

“In the ‘medical home’ scenario, SynerMed serves as the ‘general contractor’ that oversees the entire process,” Mason said. “We have established a checks and balances structure that rewards accountability and exceptional patient outcomes, and enforces consequences for physicians whose actions negatively impact the system. This ensures that patients receive the quality care they need, when they need it.”