Physicians in Practice: Ways to Align and Remain Independent
June 20, 2023
Corporate entities now employ 3 out of 4 physicians.
Performance Transformation
Transaction Advisory
The rising trend in physician practice acquisitions has been well documented and continues to climb. Hospitals, health systems, and other corporate entities now employ 3 out of 4 physicians, according to the latest Physicians Advocacy Institute (PAI) study.
When we first published this article in 2019, signals in the marketplace indicated independent practices were poised to return. A group of physicians also shared some of the unintended consequences of the acquisition influx and predicted that independent practices might make a comeback at the 2018 MGMA annual conference. However, 83,000 physicians (76%) have become employees since the pandemic began, according to the PAI study.
But is employment the only option to keep physician practices alive?
We’re here to remind you that employment isn’t the only option when pursuing alignment between physicians and partnering entities. Depending on the situation, affiliation may offer a similar upside to employment or acquisition without the same unintended consequences or risks.
Let’s take a look at the options available outside of employment that independent practices and partnering entities can leverage to align for better outcomes.
Professional Services Agreement
For over a decade, our team has crafted and negotiated professional services agreements (PSAs) for physician enterprises of all sizes. Our (infamous) PSA white paper performs a deep dive into the many options available to those pursuing this model. Way back in 2012, Becker’s Hospital Review also wrote about the increase in PSAs as a viable option for systems and practices. We’d like to remind you of the various types of PSAs as well as some tips for those pursuing them.
The categories below represent general guidelines for the various types of PSA models, but agreements do not need to fit rigidly within each. We often work with clients who mix and match different components of each model to develop a solution that works best for their goals and market. Think of a PSA like a pizza: most can agree on the base ingredients, but different types of sauces, toppings, and crusts produce a delicious creation uniquely suited for each person (except maybe sardines).
Traditional PSA
A traditional PSA is a contract, typically between a hospital or health system and a practice, for professional services reimbursed using a rate per wRVU structure. The hospital or health system assumes ownership of the practice support structure by employing staff, managing billing and revenue cycle functions, and overseeing leadership and governance related to the practice team. The PSA providers align with the network but do not face the same oversight as their employed colleagues.
Global Payment PSA
The contract for professional services is similar to the traditional PSA except for the rate per wRVU encompasses both provider compensation and benefits cost. The global payment also includes fixed and variable overhead expenses for the practice. Both parties collaborate to manage annual budgets and strategy through a management committee, and the practice retains control of its entity and support staff.
Practice Management Arrangement
The partnering entity employs the providers within this arrangement, but the practice’s legal entity is maintained. The practice continues to manage its staff, which are not employed by the hospital, through a separate management services agreement, and the practice receives a fair market value (FMV) fee for the services. This model is essentially the inverse of the traditional PSA.
Carve-Out PSA
The professional services within this model can be carved out based on practice location, subspecialty, or providers that fall within the agreement. For example, a gastroenterology (GI) group can align with a hospital to provide only endoscopy services. Related administrative costs are carved out, and the hospital reimburses them separately at an FMV rate.
Hybrid Arrangements
Continuing with the pizza topping analogy, hybrid PSA arrangements allow both parties to mix and match the toppings. Any component from the previous models, such as medical directorships, quality incentive payments, compensation guarantees, and several payment or management services methodologies, can be leveraged in a hybrid model.
While there may be numerous ways to execute a PSA, compliance is one critical requirement. Compensation or professional service terms should meet FMV standards and be commercially reasonable, and the overall agreement should not violate any federal or state regulations (i.e., Stark, Anti-Kickback). As with any agreement, we recommend both parties work with legal counsel to execute the contract.
Clinical Co-Management Agreement
If PSAs feel too close to employment, partnering entities and practices might consider clinical co-management agreements (CCMAs) as a more moderate and attractive strategy. Unlike PSAs, CCMAs do not involve contracts for professional services or management of practice support structures. CCMAs typically focus on a collaborative effort between individual providers and partner leadership to achieve a predefined set of performance outcomes for a hospital service line. We view these arrangements as a win-win for both parties to accomplish shared goals, often related to quality and the shift to value-based initiatives. CCMAs continue to mitigate a hospital's financial investment and limit any lost autonomy for independent providers.
All of these arrangements will include fees for the management services provided and a specific set of measurable outcomes for the CCMA entity to monitor and achieve. Fees often include a base rate, typically paid hourly and evaluated using an FMV calculation for administrative services within that specialty, and an incentive rate for exceeding the outcomes within the agreement. The descriptions below are for the various CCMA structures. Read our white paper for more detailed information on the formation, execution, and benefits of CCMAs.
Traditional CCMA
A management agreement exists between a physician practice entity and the hospital. The contracted management services relate to a specific service line. This model is common when one practice aligns with the hospital as that does not require the creation of a separate entity.
CCMA with New Entity
This model involves creating a new professional corporation (PC) or limited liability corporation (LLC). The new entity administers management services and receives compensation for those services at fair market value. The agreement is between the client and the new entity, where multiple practices engage with the new entity for those management services.
Joint Venture CCMA
A physician or group of physicians and the hospital create a jointly-owned new entity to administer management services. This CCMA model is less common because the joint venture is subject to more regulation and a longer implementation timeline. Because the hospital and physician(s) own the entity, this type of CCMA is more permanent.
Joint Oversight CCMA
Separate management agreements may exist between the hospital and physicians involved in this type of CCMA. Additionally, a formal oversight committee comprised of representatives from all parties manages the performance of the CCMA goals.
It is important to note that PSAs and CCMAs are not the only ways for independent practitioners to partner with hospitals, health systems, or other corporate entities. Joining managed care networks or ACOs, setting up call coverage or medical directorship agreements, and creating or using management services organizations (MSOs) represent additional strategies for consideration among providers who want to align and remain independent.
An acquisition will not necessarily slow down or become less relevant in healthcare. Still, it is imperative for those who want to grow their provider network or expand the reach of their practice to be mindful of the alignment options outside of acquisition, particularly those who may be dissuaded by some of its more negative factors.
You can learn more about Coker’s work in alignment strategy and physician services and contact us to speak with one of our experienced consultants.
