Practices consolidating quickly, study says; collaborate, seek options to stay independent

Why This Topic Matters

It helps medical practice leaders, coders, and healthcare administrators understand a major market shift affecting practice structure, payer contracting, and operational planning.

Article Sections

1. Practice consolidation trends and study findings

   Summarizes the study and the observed shift in physician group sizes over the study period. It also notes the data source used and the overall pace of consolidation.

2. Factors driving consolidation

   Reviews several broad market and policy pressures that are contributing to practice consolidation. The discussion includes technology mandates, payment-model changes, and uncertainty in the coverage environment.

3. What smaller practices can do

   Outlines general strategies discussed for smaller practices that want to remain viable. The section covers collaboration, shared overhead approaches, and considering different practice or payment arrangements.