The changing private practice environment: how to analyze opportunities

The search by physicians for opportunities to improve the short-term performance and long-term value of their practices has resulted in the creation of a range of affiliation and group practice structures and changed the traditional private practice profile. The resulting ability to structure an environment that is optimal for each practitioner or group of practitioners can enhance the delivery of medical care and serve to attract an array of individuals to private practice. In order for this evolution to be successful, however, the entities must be developed with thoughtful and detailed analysis and should be flexible enough to adapt to the continually changing environment.