Making physician integration work.

Abstract

Today, it is widely acknowledged that there is no single, universal model that should be used to achieve greater integration of care between physicians and hospitals. The push toward such integration is being driven by many factors, such as greater physician receptivity to employment, physicians' desire for greater financial security, physician shortages, economic conditions, and health systems' need for competitive positioning. In today's economic environment, the goals of physician-hospital integration are more attractive than ever.