Medical Staff

Ask the expert: What might an employment model for surgical hospitalist program look like?

Hospitalist Leadership Connection, August 3, 2011

In the employment model, the hospital or a hospital-owned group practice employs the surgeons directly. If the hospital already has other employed physicians, it may prefer this model because it requires less work; that is, already-employed physicians more easily integrate with the existing staff with an HR infrastructure. Best practice in an employed model dictates that there is explicit understanding between program administrators and surgeons about schedules and productivity, and ideally there is a compensation plan that incorporates incentives for productivity, quality, and patient satisfaction.

In the employed model, the hospital typically covers all overhead expenses, including office space, support staff, and malpractice. The hospital also usually oversees billing and collections, either by having hospital employees provide this service or by engaging an outside vendor. The employment model has advantages and disadvantages. If a hospital already has employed physicians, a surgical hospitalist practice can be readily established. However, such a practice may be less productive if the surgeons have a guaranteed income—hence, the importance of incorporating productivity incentives into the compensation package.

This week’s question and answer are from The Surgical Hospitalist Program Management Guide.
 

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