Family Health Organization

The Family Health Organization (FHO) is an alternative payment model in Ontario’s Primary Care Renewal program, established to target grant new money to family physicians practicing comprehensive and preventive care. The FHO works on a “blended payment” model that provides family physicians increased income, steady monthly cash flow, funded continuing medical education as well as allowing for flexibility in the delivery of medical services.

Who can form or join a FHO?

A group of three or more family physicians is needed to form a FHO. The physicians do not necessarily have to practice in the same geographic area but they work together as a group to provide comprehensive primary care, extended office hours, and on‐call coverage to the group’s enrolled patients. Doctor’s may also join an existing FHO.

Benefits of the FHO Model:

-Increased Revenue: Most physicians who provide comprehensive and preventative care earn more in the FHO payment model than in a Family Health Group.

-Predictable Income: On average, 75% of a physician’s gross income flows directly to their personal bank account via regular monthly payments

-Flexibility: Physicians have more choice in how they deliver medical services, such as through Telehealth or referring patients to other health practitioners such as a specialist, nurse or dietician without penalty.

-Shared Service: Shared on-call and coverage for vacation time.

-Opportunity: Improved organization and tracking for clinical information using information technology funded by OntarioMD