title: Messenger model IPAs need caution in managed care.
abstract: Messenger model independent practice associations (IPAs) are a popular choice for physicians coming to together to improve payer negotiations. However, it is easy for such models to run afoul of antitrust regulations, as did a messenger model IPA in Tampa, Fla. The following is a discussion of this case. You should be able to use it as a guide if and when you are ever involved in a messenger model IPA situation. This article also will provide tips and strategies for working in the messenger model IPA format.
authors.affiliation: Horne CPA Group, Houston, TX 77057, USA.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Tinsley
mesh_terms: D016363:Antitrust Laws; D003284:Contract Services / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D004465:Economic Competition / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D018588:Fee-for-Service Plans / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005431:Florida; D005607:Fraud / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D013502:General Surgery / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration; D007193:Independent Practice Associations / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000458:organization & administration*; D016365:Liability, Legal; D008329:Managed Care Programs / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D017146:Models, Organizational; D017008:Negotiating; D014481:United States