Partnership combines strengths of two organizations committed to supporting independent physicians

Alo, a newly formed company that helps independent physicians shape health care for the better, has joined forces with Raleigh-based Avance Care to offer new services and solutions for physicians. The partnership offers additional resources for independent practices in North Carolina, enabling them to operate sustainable, patient-centered practices aligned with value-based care.

Alo and Avance Care’s practice services entity will combine to help independent practices thrive – with the goal of improving patient experience, enhancing clinical outcomes and lowering health care costs. The practices that make up Avance Care will remain independently owned. All 22 Avance Care locations will continue to operate under the Avance Care system and brand.

Patients will see the same doctors at the same locations, including 19 Triangle offices and three in Charlotte. Over time, patients can expect continued enhancements in the services and care available to them and an even more personalized patient experience as a result of the partnership.

“Avance Care and Alo have a shared mission to enable independent physicians to operate financially strong practices that deliver the best possible care,” said Matt Eirich, Alo president and CEO. “Independent practices in North Carolina have few options when it comes to charting a sustainable future. This partnership will enable more practices to have a strong foundation for future growth.”

“Alo is the ideal partner to position Avance Care for growth,” said Manish Patel, CEO and co-founder of Avance Care, who will remain CEO of Avance Care and become chief strategy officer of Alo. “Our partnership will bring additional resources to support our existing practices and provide options for ownership or employment to any physician who wants the opportunity to truly enjoy the practice of medicine.”

Joanne Fruth, MD, chief medical officer at Avance Care, added: “Our mission to provide exceptional patient experience, high-quality primary care, and extended daily access remains. Now we’ll have even more resources to provide personalized care to our patients. With the resources of our new partnership, I’m excited that we can bring the Avance Care experience to even more North Carolinians.”

The partnership combines the strengths of Alo, developed by a leading health insurer and an experienced health care investment management firm, and Avance Care, one of North Carolina’s biggest independent primary care practice organizations. The partnership aims to enable independent practices to focus on patient care while leaving practice management, staffing, technology and other business matters to Alo and Avance Care. The company also plans to provide expertise to help independent practices transition to value-based care.

A primary goal is to support the success of existing independent physician practices and help establish new independent practices. The partnership will make it easier for physicians who want to open their own practices and will provide resources to maximize their success.

Avance Care, with more than 80 primary care providers, delivers care focused on the patient experience, including same-day, next-day and weekend appointments.

“Avance Care’s commitment to improving the patient experience, focusing on clinical outcomes and lowering the total cost of health care makes it an ideal partner for Alo,” said Adam Grossman, partner at Deerfield Management Company, which co-established Alo. “We look forward to seeing Alo and Avance Care strengthen independent physicians by helping them focus on what really matters – providing great patient care.”

About Alo

Alo provides the tools for independent physicians to shape health care for the better – for patients, communities and themselves. Founded by a team that understands how to change the playing field for independent practices, Alo helps physicians focus on making sustainable improvements in care. The company is headquartered in Raleigh, N.C.

About Avance Care

Avance Care is an innovative primary care provider that has been offering convenient, cost-effective health care services since 2008. Avance Care operates a system of primary care practices across North Carolina and utilizes a proprietary operating platform comprised of sophisticated information technology systems and highly developed workflow processes and procedures. Our unique operating system has enabled us to generate industry-leading patient satisfaction ratings, quality of care, and efficiency. More information for patients is available at avancecare.com and for physicians at avancemd.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211118005492/en/