Beyond costs: The value of comanagement agreements

As Medicare reimbursements decrease and many smaller group practices struggle to maintain their margins, more than a few physicians have begun to seek the financial shelter afforded them by hospital employment. Not all physician practices, however, are interested in giving up their independence to join their local hospital or health system, and in some rural settings physicians aren't interested in a long-term commitment to the area. Clinical comanagement agreements offer physicians and hospitals an opportunity to thrive, but their structure may vary, especially as accountable care organizations (ACO) take seed.