Physician Alignment

I just finished reading a 45 page case study on how four hospital systems in the United States are focused on physician alignment. In class, we often discuss how difficult it is to align the hospital's incentives with those of the physician. The authors of the case study summed up major themes in all the hospital systems involved:

1. A common language
2. Shared culture
3. Clear goals and strategies
4. Physician leadership
5. Useful data
6. Shared risk

These ideas seem obvious, right? Wrong. If they were so obvious, wouldn't more organizations be creating organizations with intense physician support. I think all hospitals need to consider what it will take to survive with lower reimbursement rates. This is a big step in the right direction.

Source: "Aligning Hospitals and Physicians Toward Value." Breakthroughs. Health Leaders Media. October 2009.