Development of a medical-psychiatric program within the private sector. Potential problems and strategies for their resolution.

Recent reports regarding the development of combined medical-psychiatric units have primarily involved units operated under the auspices of academic medical centers. Almost no published information is available regarding the fiscal, administrative, or clinical feasibility of operating such programs within the context of the private community hospital setting. This article outlines the organization and development of such a private unit and discusses the various medical, administrative, political, and financial considerations that must be evaluated in planning for the successful operation of medical-psychiatric units within the private sector.