What members are talking about

“‘Fixing’ the health problems of patients. Physicians would be happy if they could just do this and nothing else. Medical group practices allow the physician to do this with minimal concern for the day-to-day operations that are handled by the professional administrative staff.”

Irene S. Heinemeier, CMPE, MGMA Board member and administrator, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery Associates, Annandale, Va., iheinemeier@aol.com

“Physicians value group practice because of call coverage - they have the secure knowledge that when they are away, their patients are well taken care of and in good hands if a problem arises. Physicians also value the ability to mentor and be mentored in the medical group setting. New physicians learn from the practical experience of an established physician, and established physicians stay abreast of new training and techniques through their affiliation with newly trained physicians.”

“Group practice provides the physician with a community of like-minded physicians focused on the continuum of care for their patients. It also provides the opportunity for professional management by partnering with medical executives. Group practice is an ideal business model for the current health care environment, as it provides the foundation required to compete and succeed economically.”

Christine A. Schon, FACMPE, MGMA Board member and director of cardiac services, Deaconess Billings Clinic, Mont.,
“Physicians value the opportunity to collaborate with other physicians and to be able to provide the latest technology and therapies to their patients in an integrated group practice setting. They also value the idea of devoting more time to medical practice with competent administrators taking care of business operations, collections, community relations, etc. This makes physicians more efficient and often allows for an improved earning capacity, more fringe benefits and an improved lifestyle.”