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Hospital-based group practice and HMOs: a case study.
Health Progress (Saint Louis, Mo.)
|September 7, 1985
Summary
Family Health Associates (FHA), a hospital-based group practice, demonstrates that this model can offer affordable, high-quality care. Physician involvement in decision-making and referral freedom are key to its success.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Management
- Medical Practice Models
Background:
- Family Health Associates (FHA) was established by St. Mary's Hospital in 1977.
- FHA integrates private practice and hospital settings, offering physicians employment by the hospital.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the operational success and challenges of a hospital-based group practice.
- To assess the impact of physician involvement and referral policies on practice growth and hospital relations.
Main Methods:
- The study describes the organizational structure of FHA, including shared decision-making and physician autonomy.
- It analyzes the evolution of FHA, including initial challenges and conflict resolution regarding physician referrals.
Main Results:
- FHA has achieved steady growth, validating hospital-based group practices as a viable model for cost-effective, quality care.
- Initial opposition was minimal due to physician shortages; later conflicts over referrals were resolved by prioritizing FHA physician autonomy and patient volume.
- Improved relationships with the medical staff resulted from FHA physician engagement in hospital committees and increased inpatient admissions.
Conclusions:
- Hospital-based group practices can be a successful model for delivering affordable, high-quality healthcare.
- Shared decision-making and physician autonomy in referrals contribute to practice growth and integration within the hospital system.