Administrative management of small group physician practice

Abstract

This study reviews the administrative structure and management of physician office practices composed of two, three, or four physicians. It reflects the findings of a questionnaire survey about the operation of their private offices. Such areas as conflict resolution methodology and the structure of the decision making process among equals are included as well as an examination of the traditional workload factors that may be useful in comparing the efficiency of the organizations. An examination of five organizations within the sample space was conducted to obtain a qualitative perception of the administrative management of the organizations studied. Interviews and non-reactive observations were employed to obtain a more definitive view of the normal interactions between the members within each organization. The study identifies five characteristics that are symptomatic of inefficient organizations. Nine guidelines are prescribed for physicians who desire to improve the efficiency of their practices.