CenterWell, Oak Street Health, CommunityMD, and One Medical: What Is Value-Based Primary Care?

Value-based primary care focuses on outcomes instead of volume—meaning physicians are rewarded for keeping patients healthy, not for the number of visits or procedures. This article explains how value-based care works, why it’s gaining traction, and how major models like CenterWell, Oak Street Health, MyCommunityMD, and One Medical compare in practice.

How Value-Based Primary Care Works

Traditional fee-for-service medicine compensates providers for every service rendered. In contrast, value-based care rewards clinics for achieving quality health outcomes, reducing unnecessary hospitalizations, and improving chronic condition management.

Value-based models often include:

• Longer visit times

• More preventive care

• Coordinated services with specialists and social support

• Incentives tied to patient satisfaction, engagement, and health improvements

It’s especially popular in Medicare Advantage populations, where outcomes can be measured and risk-adjusted with consistency.

Why It’s Shaping the Future of Primary Care

Value-based care aims to address rising healthcare costs, provider burnout, and inconsistent patient experiences. According to the CMS Innovation Center, over 11 million Medicare beneficiaries are now attributed to value-based care organizations.

Benefits include:

• Reduced ER and hospital admissions

• Improved chronic condition tracking

• Stronger provider-patient relationships

• Incentives aligned with long-term health, not short-term billing

For primary care clinics, this model allows for better care continuity and potentially more predictable revenue when supported by the right infrastructure.

A Quick Comparison: CenterWell, Oak Street Health, MyCommunityMD, and One Medical

Here’s a high-level summary of how four value-based care models differ:

CenterWell

• Focus: Seniors on Medicare Advantage

• Model: In-house physicians, pharmacy, social work, and care coordination

• Notable Feature: Operates under Humana, prioritizing in-network retention and Medicare Advantage alignment

• Structure: Centralized branding and services across multiple states

Oak Street Health

• Focus: Medicare and dual-eligible populations in underserved communities

• Model: Risk-based contracts with CMS and health plans, investing in community-based outreach

• Notable Feature: Acquired by CVS Health in 2023, blending retail footprint with primary care

• Structure: Heavily data-driven, with focus on population health and same-day access

MyCommunityMD

• Focus: Local, independent providers who want to remain autonomous under a value-based framework

• Model: Offers tech, billing, analytics, and contracts while physicians maintain branding and independence

• Notable Feature: Physician-led organization helping smaller practices transition to VBC without giving up control

• Structure: Decentralized model that emphasizes freedom and localized patient relationships

One Medical (Amazon)

• Focus: Commercial and employer-based populations

• Model: Membership-based primary care with a tech-forward, patient-first experience

• Notable Feature: Acquired by Amazon in 2023, integrating virtual care, in-person visits, and same-day access

• Structure: Hybrid of value-based care and modern convenience, targeting urban professionals and employee wellness programs

The Challenges of Transitioning to Value-Based Care

Despite the benefits, moving to value-based care isn’t simple. Practices must manage:

• Data analytics and reporting

• Risk adjustment calculations

• Patient engagement beyond visit days

• Contract negotiations with payers or CMS

• Integrated communication and care coordination tools

Independent clinics often struggle with infrastructure, which is why platforms like MyCommunityMD appeal to smaller practices seeking support without consolidation.

Strategic Visibility Is Still Key in Value-Based Care

Even in a value-based model, your clinic must be visible, trusted, and discoverable. Patients still search online, read reviews, and compare access options.

A Brand Awareness Review can help identify where your clinic ranks in search, how your digital footprint compares to major players like Oak Street, CenterWell, or One Medical, and what gaps may be limiting your patient growth and contract appeal.

If you're considering a shift to value-based care—or already operating in that model but struggling with visibility—we’re here to help. A quick look at your brand, listings, and online structure through a B.A.R. can offer clarity and simple strategies that move your clinic forward.

To Your Success,

Roxford Digital