types of medical practices...

[anxietypeaker]

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was wondering what pros/cons were of the different practices styles (money,patient,independence,lifestyle each)?

1) Multi-specialty group practice vs. Single-specialty group practice? (NOT Kaiser style...am asking more about the independently owned ones)

2) Staff model HMO vs. group model HMO? (note both models are closed...type HMO into wikipedia for an explanation of differences)

3) Compare #1 vs. #2.

 

[deleted87716]

was wondering what pros/cons were of the different practices styles (money,patient,independence,lifestyle each)?

In a nutshell...

Any private practice, whether a multi- or single-specialty group or solo practice, will afford far greater independence, along with the ability to choose how and when you work, what type of patients you see, and (ultimately) how much or how little money you make. The downside to this arrangement is, "with great power comes great responsibility." Since you control your own desitiny, it's up to you (or the people you pay for expertise) to make the smart decisions. In a group practice, the group dynamic is key. People who are "team players" tend to do well within groups. People who "don't play well with others" or who are absolute control freaks might be better suited to solo practice.

Physicians who are employed by HMOs are essentially at the mercy of their employer. Typically, the HMO controls overhead, makes most (if not all) decisions related to staffing, workflow, patient volume, etc., and can change the rules at any time. Physicians in these models typically say that this frees them from the business aspects of medical practice so they can focus on patient care. In other words, "freedom from choice."

The happiest and best-paid physicians I know are in private group practices. The lowest-paid and most miserable work as salaried employees of large health systems. The reasons for this seem obvious to me.

Here's a relevant article on physician job satisfaction.

 

[murphy54]

that is one difficult problem

 

[deleted87716]

that is one difficult problem

Um...what? 😕