Commercial paper--not just for the Fortune 500

The capital needs of medical practices are shifting from the traditional working capital, buildings and equipment to management information systems, practice acquisitions and integrated delivery systems. Among the capital options for physician groups is commercial paper. Generally backed by major New York City banks, commercial paper notes usually mature within 270 days of issue. They also usually return 1/4 percent to 3/4 percent above comparable Treasury bills. Often viewed as the province of large corporations with unquestionable credit ratings, commercial paper can be structured to provide medical group practices a flexible financing option enjoyed by major corporate borrowers. The commercial paper market may be the cheapest, most efficient wource of funding for some medical groups.