Table 1.

An Example of Physical Activity Assessment as Part of a Population Health Management Strategy Within an Accountable Care Organization

1. An urban accountable care organization serving a large segment of a city implements the physical activity vital sign assessment to identify at-risk patients (ie, those who are physically inactive)

2. The assessment of physical activity levels in the clinical setting leads to increased discussions about maintaining a healthy lifestyle among the patient, physician, and other members of the health care team

3. These discussions lead to more patients receiving advice to become physically active and a semicustomized exercise prescription based on their needs and limitations

4. The accountable care organization develops a referral network consisting of physical activity or lifestyle modification programs, which are supported and certified by the local health department and/or health foundation to ensure quality control

5. After receiving their semicustomized exercise prescription, patients receive a referral to these programs before leaving the physician's office