CAPO, CMGA Merger Creates Single Voice for California's Physician Groups; New Association Represents More Than 100 Medical Groups and IPAs.

Business Editors & Health/Medical Writers

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 13, 2003

The California Association of Physician Organizations (CAPO) and California Medical Group Association (CMGA) have announced their consolidation and the formation of a single new statewide association that will serve the interests of all physician organizations in California.

The new association, California Association of Physician Groups (CAPG), will begin with an initial membership of 102 medical groups and Independent Physician Associations (IPAs).

"This is a critical move that will benefit the state's physician organizations," said Donald Crane, the new organization's CEO. "An efficient system of high-quality, integrated healthcare can only be achieved through accountable physician organizations that foster coordinated care, prevention, disease management and measured outcomes. CAPG will offer education and other services to help our members deliver that kind of healthcare to their patients."

CAPG will also represent the needs of physician organizations before legislators and regulatory agencies, according to Crane. "Solo practitioners in the medical field have always had strong representation in California and nationally, but physician organizations, which provide care to the majority of patients today, have lacked a single strong organization in California to advance their views and concerns," said Crane. "Now, for the first time, physician organizations in California will have a clear and united voice in shaping the healthcare environment."

CAPG brings together two complementary associations, each formed to meet the unique needs of physician organizations that provide care to health plan members. CAPO, with headquarters in Los Angeles, began in 1995 as an affiliate of the long-established Hospital Association of Southern California (HASC). CMGA, established in 2001, was a division of the American Medical Group Association (AMGA), with headquarters in Arlington, Va.

The new association, CAPG, has headquarters in Los Angeles. Its board of directors and leadership will be drawn from members of the two original organizations, representing all regions of the state.