Integration & Physician Issues

The well-known and urgent primary care shortage facing the nation may be overestimated, according to a recently published report in Health Affairs.

Seven hospitals and health systems across Georgia will receive $1.2 million in state funds to create residency programs, according to an Athens Banner-Herald/Morris News Service report.

Olympia, Wash.-based Providence Health Care, part of Providence Health & Services, has acquired Northeast Washington Medical Group, a multispecialty practice based in Colville, Wash., with 26 physicians and seven advanced practitioners.

The entire healthcare community seems to be on edge about the national physician shortage. An article in the Annals of Family Medicine predicted that the nation will be short 52,000 physicians by 2025, and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care…

Florida Hospital in Orlando has acquired Florida Heart Group, a practice with 19 cardiologists, according to an Orlando Sentinel report.

The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care has opened its on-site medical home certification program to all organizations.

Consumer Reports has partnered with the Wisconsin Collaborative for Healthcare Quality to publish ratings of 19 Wisconsin medical groups that serve about half of the state's population.

Clearwater, Fla.-based BayCare Health System's physician group, BayCare Physician Partners, and Cigna have launched an accountable care initiative, effective Jan 1.

Downers Grove, Ill.-based DuPage Medical Group and health insurer Humana have partnered to open an outpatient clinic for Chicagoland senior citizens who have chronic diseases.

Mon General Hospital in Morgantown, W.Va., has partnered with Cornerstone Teaching Health Center in Greensboro, Pa., and the Mountain State Osteopathic Postdoctoral Training Institutions in Lewisburg, W.Va., to offer a family medicine residency program.