The global healthcare landscape is rapidly changing. As a result, doctors are concerned about many issues that impact their patients and the profession. This is why a growing number are speaking out and organizing to combat this trend. One issue of particular concern is the way in which hospitals are taking over the practice of medicine. The takeover of medical groups and physician practices by for-profit corporations and private equity is resulting in the loss of independent control over patient care and the doctor-patient relationship. This trend must be reversed and the physician organization (PHO) model needs to be reformed in order to preserve patients’ rights and restore the doctor-patient relationship.

PHOs are collaborative legal entities that bring together hospitals and physicians to provide comprehensive, integrated healthcare services. PHOs offer advantages for both doctors and patients. Physicians can receive financial incentives for providing better outcomes at lower costs, which is known as pay-for-performance or value-based care. Patients can benefit from access to a broader range of healthcare services, including specialty care and rehabilitation.

However, there are also several disadvantages of being part of a PHO. Many physicians feel that being under the control of a hospital and having to work within a system limits their ability to be their own doctor. Additionally, there are concerns that the financial benefits of working with a PHO may come at the expense of quality healthcare and patient autonomy.

Currently, the majority of US doctors are not members of a professional organization. Of the nearly 1 million physicians who are in private practice, only about 5% belong to a union. However, more than 50% of doctors say that they would be interested in joining a medical association. While a small minority of doctors are unionized, they do not represent the majority of physicians in the United States and it will likely take a very long time for them to gain the necessary strength to exert their collective voice.

ABIM Foundation

The mission of the ABIM Foundation is to advance the core values of medical professionalism and promote excellence in health care. It is an operating charity that funds a wide variety of programs and activities that further its mission. The Foundation is a separate entity from and does not solicit funds from the American Board of Internal Medicine. It is governed by a Board of Trustees and operates under Section 509(a)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. For more information, visit abyimfoundation.org.