By KHI News Service

A Maryland-based company announced a partnership with the Kansas Foundation for Medical Care (KFMC) to help independent primary care physicians in the state form and operate an accountable care organization, also known as an ACO.

Aledade Inc. partners with independent doctors to create and run ACOs, which are networks of physicians who band together to deliver coordinated care to patients.

They operate under a payment structure that rewards positive patient health outcomes rather than the volume of health care services delivered.

Dr. Jen Brull of Plainville, a leader in electronic medical record adoption, will serve as the organization’s medical director. Aledade and Topeka-based KFMC are recruiting a core group of primary care practices to lead the ACO. Initial recruitment has focused on the Wichita area and western Kansas.