A Primer on Physician Alignment Models

In an era of increasing expenses, declining reimbursements and intensifying regulatory pressure, physicians are constantly looking for new ways to increase revenue for their practices.  Physician/hospital alignment and physician/physician alignment are dominant strategies in today's healthcare market and many of these alternative models involve aligning themselves with hospitals and other physician practices. Health care lawyers, therefore, must understand the various alignments to properly counsel physicians on the regulatory landscape associated with such arrangements. In addition, accountants have to work side by side with healthcare attorneys to ensure the positive impact and sustainability of the selected alignment model. Select accounting and consulting firms have extensive experience surrounding the integration and execution of these arrangements, both from a financial perspective as well as a strategic vantage point. This course will instruct participants on how various forms of alignment are structured and the legal issues, such as the Anti-Kickback Statute, Civil Monetary Penalties, and Stark law, are implicated in such arrangements.

Learning Objectives:

I.   Grasp alternative physician alignment models in today's healthcare environment

II.  Know applicability of these models in today's market

III. Identify and gauge areas of the country where these models are or tend to be successful

IV. Recognize the legal implications of these models