Physician Association of California and Astrana Health Launch Collaboration to Strengthen Independent Primary Care

May 11, 2026 - 21:25

The Physician Association of California, known as PAC, has announced a new partnership with Astrana Health, a company focused on physician-led, technology-driven care. The collaboration aims to bolster independent primary care practices across the state, giving them more resources to compete with large hospital systems.

Under the agreement, PAC members will gain access to Astrana's platform, which includes data analytics, care coordination tools, and administrative support. The goal is to help independent doctors manage patient populations more effectively while reducing the financial and operational burdens that often drive physicians to sell their practices to hospitals.

Dr. Michael Chen, a spokesperson for PAC, said the partnership is about preserving the doctor-patient relationship. "Independent primary care is the backbone of community health, but it has been under pressure for years," he said. "This collaboration gives our members the infrastructure of a large organization without losing their autonomy."

Astrana's CEO, Lisa Tran, emphasized that the initiative is designed to improve outcomes and lower costs. By integrating technology with clinical expertise, the two organizations hope to keep patients healthier and reduce unnecessary hospital visits. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The partnership comes at a time when many primary care physicians in California are struggling with low reimbursement rates and high administrative costs. Both PAC and Astrana believe that strengthening independent practices will lead to better access and quality of care for patients across the state.