Dr. Penson on Advantages/ Disadvantages of Large Urologic Practices

David F. Penson, MD, MPH, director, Center for Surgical Quality and Outcomes Research Professor of Urologic Surgery, Paul V. Hamilton, M.D. and Virginia E. Howd Chair in Urologic Oncology, professor of medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, discusses some of the advantages and disadvantages of a large urologic practice.

Penson says a large urology community practice has many advantages. The strength in numbers of a large practice allows physicians to negotiate with payers and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) caters to larger urologic practices. With the ACA now effective, Penson believes large groups have a competitive advantage over smaller groups.

However, Penson interoperates the ACA encourages providers to become employees of a large multispecialty practice or a medical center. This puts community urologists at a disadvantage because as the regulations take effect, a large group will not be completely safe from some of the downsides. That being said, participating in a large group is the safest place to be, compared to other options, Penson says.