Physicians who run their own offices in an IPA are often in contract with how many HMOs?

Physicians who run their own offices in an IPA are often in contract with how many HMOs?

• A. More than one HMO.
• B. Only one HMO.
• C. None; they are independent of HMOs.
• D. Exactly two HMOs.

Answer: (A)

IPAs connect physicians with managed care plans, so doctors running their own offices within an IPA typically sign with more than one HMO. This arrangement lets the practice see patients enrolled in different HMOs, diversifies the payer base, and shares risk and care coordination across multiple plans. Limiting contracts to a single HMO would narrow patient access and financial stability, while being independent of HMOs contradicts the purpose of an IPA. Having contracts with multiple HMOs is the common, practical setup.

IPAs connect physicians with managed care plans, so doctors running their own offices within an IPA typically sign with more than one HMO. This arrangement lets the practice see patients enrolled in different HMOs, diversifies the payer base, and shares risk and care coordination across multiple plans. Limiting contracts to a single HMO would narrow patient access and financial stability, while being independent of HMOs contradicts the purpose of an IPA. Having contracts with multiple HMOs is the common, practical setup.