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End-of-Life Choices

Trends in end-of-life care show that not only does the care given vary widely from region to region and hospital to hospital, but also patients often don't get the care they prefer. What can be done?

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Chronic diseases and the cost of care are rising. Are disease management programs improving outcomes for patients with complex, chronic conditions?

No Middleman

Under the "direct primary care" model, patients pay a monthly fee for basic medical services. Learn about the history and current landscape of physician practices offering this arrangement.

Doctors and Nurses

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Calif. Emergency Department Physician Groups To Merge

Emeryville-based CEP America -- which provides emergency department management and staffing services -- recently announced that it is merging with Sutter Emergency Medical Associates, an ED physician group. Under the merger, more than 25% of all patients who visit a California ED will be treated by a CEP America physician. The merger is expected to be completed on April 1.

Reader Comments:
  • 1
  • 03/24/2011
  • Eric Barthel

This is kinda scary. ER physician groups are notorious for unchecked billing to non-contracted healthplans, resulting in unnecessarily high costs which eventually become the burden of the IPA/MG managing the patient and plan sponsors. I hope this is getting a thorough review for potential anti-trust issues.



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