The impetus for ACOs and bundled payments is the desire to gain control of the total cost of caring for patients – sort of a “prix fixe” rather than à la carte approach to paying for care. While this is an understandable goal, most of us think it is important to preserve independence in the practice of emergency medicine. This means that EPs should continue to have an array of options, including status as independent contractors, partners in or employees of physician groups, and hospital employees. Many policymakers clearly care little about such professional issues and think a system in which all doctors are employees of hospitals or health systems is the best model.
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ACEP News: Vol 30 – No 09 – September 2011While it is possible that our nation’s health care system will eventually evolve to look like that, for the present ACEP should continue to advocate for choice in professional practice and for fair treatment of emergency physicians who must negotiate with hospitals and health systems for their share of bundled or global payments.
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