Integrating acquired physician practices

Many strategies have been suggested to accomplish successful physician integration, including stock ownership in a for-profit entity created by the health system, sharing in the cost efficiencies caused by changing practice patterns, and compensation attached to service and access standards. One thing that executives overlook goes beyond financial concerns and yet hits at the heart of what is important to most physicians. That is maintaining their ability to make decisions regarding their own practice environment both clinically and administratively. United Health describes its physician-administrator team model, developed to enhance the physician integration process.