Greater opportunity exists for hospitals to become a preferred partner of independent physicians, according to a study released by SCI Solutions.
Researchers examined data on 549 independent physicians from Reaction's research network. They found 42 percent of independent physicians have a preferred hospital partner, while 58 percent do not.
"This means hospitals have not gained the full economic value of their community partners, resulting in an opportunity to become the referral destination of choice," the study's authors wrote.
Researchers also found 38 percent of independent physicians are likely to refer to a different hospital that offers authorizations, while a similar number (37 percent) are likely to do so if the hospital offers provider self-scheduling.
Additionally, researchers said approximately 50 percent of independent physicians "put a high value on patient preference and convenience in their choice of hospital partner."
Read the full study results here.