Stark II, phase II. What it means for physician compensation

The author reviews some of the new physician self-referral (Stark) rule's key implications for medical group compensation plans. In Phase II of the Stark law, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services clarified certain provisions and addressed others not dealt with in Phase I. The changes have important, generally positive implications for physician compensation in medical groups and elsewhere. The rules codify common-sense ideas that physicians can receive direct compensation for their labor and for the financial success of their group practices.