Hospital Partners of America redefines hospital care

Source: Healthcare Digital

Date :17/01/2008 02:22:33

Joseph Murgo, Hospital Partners EVP, explains how a simple approach to physician-partnerships is redefining health care in the U.S.

Written by Emmet Cole and Produced by Tom Venturo

Letting doctors be active participants in hospital governance and planning is bringing success to hospitals - and patients. “We’re redefining hospital care by enabling our physician investors to be involved in strategic decisions that affect hospital operations. Our physician partners help our local operating teams define ways to improve the overall patient experience and identify best practice standards of health care,” says Joseph L. Murgo, Hospital Partners EVP.

Financially invested doctors are more emotionally invested in the overall success of their hospital. The opportunity to invest in a well-run, profitable hospital attracts top talent, which further increases the quality of care. Since doctors hold sway over decisions both large and small – from facility layout to marketing plans – the physician-partnership model allows physician owners to contribute their collective wisdom, resulting in a cycle of continuous improvement.

“It’s the difference between a chef working at a restaurant, and a chef sharing ownership in the restaurant,” Murgo says. “It’s a different psyche. It’s a different mindset. You’re a lot more committed to the success of the business, and you’re a lot more committed to the satisfaction of the clientele – in this case the patients and their families.”

This approach clearly works - to the tune of $700 million a year and a reputation for top-tier care. By offering partnership to its physicians, HPA turns distressed hospitals into thriving, profitable, high-quality medical centers.

Ambitious vision

HPA isn’t the only hospital company involved with physician-syndicated hospitals, but they could be the most ambitious. Murgo notes the existence of several specialty hospital companies, but says that HPA is the first…

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