Trends and models in physician-hospital organization.

Physicians and hospitals have developed new models for aligning their incentives and integrating their activities. These models serve numerous purposes, including unified contracting with managed care organizations, improved access to capital and patients, and strengthened competitive position. The more advanced models carry the added potential of providing comprehensive, community-based care with less duplication of services. The new models raise several important issues that providers need to consider before embarking on these strategies.