Proposed Stark lab rule threatens group practices

Article Abstract:

Rep Pete Stark has introduced a House bill requiring no fewer than five physicians for each office location in a group practice, except for practices with only one office. The measure is designed to curtail the operation of sham offices that front physician self-referral operations. However, it also poses a threat to the growth of legitimate group practices. The Medical Group Management Assn estimates that about half of its 5,600 group practices have multiple locations but the average group has only 2.5 physicians per site.

Medical laboratories, Laws, regulations and rules, Science and technology policy, Biomedical laboratories, Stark, Pete

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Sacramento physicians feel impact of HMO dominance

Article Abstract:

Physicians in Sacramento, CA, have experienced significantly reduced income since 90% of the insured population in the area belong to health maintenance organizations (HMO) and preferred provider organizations (PPO). Physicians and specialists are forced to lower their prices, to see more patients and to compete with other physicians just to maintain the same or less income. About 800,000 Sacramento residents are enrolled in nine HMO's and 388,000 residents are in several PPO's.

HEALTH SERVICES, Health Maintenance Organizations, HMO Medical Centers, Physicians & Surgeons, Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists), Economic aspects

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