Hospitals Hiring More Doctors

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - We have seen many changes in healthcare over the years and in 2011 we are bound to see more. Of course some will be the result of healthcare reform but others will be the result of common business practices.

For instance, hospitals are actively hiring doctors to work for them. Why? Well, over the years, hospitals have relied on surgeons and other sub-specialists who perform procedures to use their facilities. As a result, these patients would recover and be treated at the hospital. And this was an excellent source of income. Today, many surgeons and sub-specialists bypass hospitals and do procedures in their own operating rooms, attached to their offices. So, how can hospitals keep their market share? Hire doctors.

Think about it. People choose a doctor, not a hospital. That means the billing goes to the hospital. It also means hospitals can negotiate insurance contracts for groups of physicians, which will encourage greater fees.

Reported By Dr. Brian McDonough, KYW Newsradio Medical Editor