PHYSICIAN PRACTICE MANAGEMENT COMPANIES

Physicians are increasingly courted by insurers and hospitals as partn ers for integrated delivery systems. A new integrative option has emer ged for physicians-the physician practice management company (PPMC). P PMCs have formed in response to several supply and demand factors. The y hold out great promise for physicians, but closer scrutiny suggests that this promise has not yet been realized. PPMCs warrant managerial and research attention due to their contracting potential as physician networks in dealing with employers and payers.