On Demand: Beyond Hospital Employment: Navigating the Path to Independence-Presentation Slides

Presentation Slides

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The document outlines key discussions and insights shared during a panel hosted by MedAxiom, focusing on transitioning from hospital employment to independent practice in the field of cardiology. The panel featured prominent figures including Jasen Gundersen, MD, CEO & Co-Founder of CardioOne, James Flynn, MD, Managing Physician at CSNE, and Carolanne O'Sullivan, VP of Operations at CSNE/CardioOne.<br /><br />A key theme of the discussion highlights the economic factors that have driven cardiologists towards hospital employment, which, despite perceived financial stability, also results in increased Medicare expenses and a decrease in physician autonomy. Hospital acquisitions of independent cardiology practices have led to significant cost increases for both Medicare and commercial payors, raising patient out-of-pocket expenses as well.<br /><br />Despite the perceived security of hospital employment, many physicians experience burnout and job dissatisfaction, prompting a growing desire to return to private practice—albeit with notable barriers such as the complexity of setting up a new practice, capital requirements, and administrative burdens.<br /><br />Three primary pathways for cardiologists are outlined: employment at large health systems, investment by private equity firms, or complete independence. Each path presents its own set of advantages and challenges, such as autonomy, financial stability, administrative responsibilities, and control over income.<br /><br />A case study of the transition from hospital employment to independent practice with CardioOne provides a detailed roadmap of planning and execution from introduction to full operation, emphasizing comprehensive support in practice start-up and management, as well as future growth opportunities such as establishing an ambulatory surgery center (ASC).<br /><br />Overall, the panel discussion and case study aim to provide insight and guidance for cardiologists seeking independence from hospital systems, by addressing both the potential benefits and challenges of such a transition.

Keywords

cardiology

independent practice

hospital employment

MedAxiom panel

physician autonomy

Medicare expenses

private practice

CardioOne

economic factors

case study