Happy Birthday, Alo!
I can't believe that Alo is celebrating its two-year anniversary this month. Time has flown by, filled with excitement, growth, and meaningful impact. As we celebrate this milestone, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on our accomplishments and the remarkable progress we've made in just 24 months.
In the past decade, the healthcare landscape has undergone significant changes, with a considerable number of independent practices being acquired by larger healthcare systems. Unfortunately, this consolidation has often resulted in reduced choices and increased costs for consumers. For example, in North Carolina alone, the number of independent primary care doctors dropped by an alarming 22% between 2010 and 2018.(1) This disheartening trend was one of the primary driving forces behind the creation of Alo, as we set out to support and empower independent physicians and enable them and their patients to thrive.
Since our incorporation in June 2021, we have made substantial strides; through Avance Care, our practice management services company, we have opened 10 new practices in the Triangle and Charlotte regions and are proud to now support 31 practices, comprising over 200 providers, 60 behavioral health therapists, 10 psychiatrists, and an astounding 100,000 patients. These numbers represent tangible evidence of the positive impact we've had on the healthcare community within just two years. By offering comprehensive support and innovative solutions, we have empowered independent physicians to continue delivering exceptional care while navigating the evolving healthcare landscape.
We are motivated by the belief that communities across North Carolina and the country benefit when providers have the option and support to practice outside of massive organizations. That’s why I'm particularly encouraged by our expansion to Charlotte. Charlotte is one of the most highly concentrated healthcare markets in the country.(2) By establishing our presence in this city, we are not only increasing access to independent healthcare providers for the local population but also making a statement that independent practices have a vital role to play in fostering a diverse and patient-centric healthcare system. In partnership with a tremendously dedicated and talented group of physician-owners, we now have opened and support five primary care practices (with more on the way), integrating nine behavioral health therapists, four nutritionists and a Charlotte-based psychiatry practice. Since expanding into Charlotte in 2021, we have treated over 18,000 unique patients, demonstrating the community’s interest in our model.
In addition to our growth in physical practices, we were thrilled to announce the launch of our Clinically Integrated Network (CIN) earlier this year. This groundbreaking initiative will provide support and resources to hundreds of practices across the state, allowing them to join forces and collaborate in delivering high-quality, coordinated care to their patients. By fostering this network, Alo aims to strengthen the position of independent physicians, amplify their collective impact, and create a sustainable healthcare ecosystem that benefits both providers and patients alike.
As I reflect on these achievements, I can't help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride and gratitude for the incredible team at Alo, as well as the support and trust we've received from our valued partners and clients. Together, we have accomplished a great deal in just two years. However, this is only the beginning.
We remain steadfast in our commitment to empowering independent physicians, advocating for patient-centered care, and driving positive change in the healthcare industry. The challenges ahead are substantial, but with our unwavering dedication and the collective strength of our network, we are confident that we will continue to make a lasting impact and shape the future of healthcare.
Thank you for being part of this remarkable journey with us. Here's to many more years of growth, innovation, and meaningful collaborations as we redefine healthcare for the better.
Sources
North Carolina Medical Society. (2019). The state of independent physician practices in North Carolina. Raleigh, NC: North Carolina Medical Society.
Health Care Cost Institute (2020). Hospital Concentration Index: An Analysis of U.S. Hospital Market Concentration https://healthcostinstitute.org/
