Merging medical groups.

Abstract

One of the trends of the past 10 years that has marked the way physicians practice medicine is growth in the size and complexity of group practice. The reasons for these changes (better patient coverage, within-the-group referral, a larger financial base, a collegial environment, shared overhead, professional management, and packaged negotiation) are clear and are certainly valid. This trend shows few signs of slowing and may be accelerating. Indeed, most of the proposals for national health care reform seem likely to put larger groups at a competitive advantage. We have developed a highly effective procedure that helps improve the efficiency and the success of the merger process.