Robert Williams, MD, on the Legal Implications of Physician Integration in the Marketplace

Robert Williams, MD, director, Deloitte, Consulting LLP, says physician integration is driven predominantly by the department of justice, and FTC regulations that require physicians to meet the definition of clinical integration. These requirements include demonstrating that physician and health system are working together, that they are driving towards evidence-based leading practice, that they are sharing information through technology, and proving they are working to bring value to the marketplace.

“Hopefully in the accountable care model, this value is really identified by reducing cost,” said Dr Williams, “but also by sustaining or improving quality, improving patient experience or satisfaction, and bringing that bundle together.”

Dr Williams suggests that one challenge many organizations face is trying to balance their legal structure with the decision-making processes of their operating models.