Independent practice association
Independent Practice Association (IPA)
Independent Practice Association (IPA, /ˌaɪ.piːˈeɪ/) is a business entity that contracts with individual healthcare providers or groups of providers to deliver medical services. The term originated in the United States in the late 20th century.
Etymology
The term "Independent Practice Association" is derived from the fact that these associations are made up of independent healthcare providers who practice independently, but are associated through their contract with the IPA.
Definition
An Independent Practice Association is a type of Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) where contracts are made with individual physicians or medical groups to provide services at a negotiated rate. These physicians may continue to operate their own offices and see other patients who are not part of the HMO.
Function
The primary function of an IPA is to negotiate contracts with health insurance companies on behalf of its member physicians. These contracts outline the terms and conditions for the provision of healthcare services, including the rates of reimbursement for each service.
Related Terms
- Health Maintenance Organization (HMO): A type of health insurance plan that provides healthcare services through a network of doctors and hospitals.
- Managed Care: A healthcare delivery system designed to manage cost, utilization, and quality of care.
- Provider Network: A list of the doctors, other health care providers, and hospitals that a plan contracts with to provide care.
- Capitation: A payment arrangement for health care service providers where they receive a set amount for each enrolled person assigned to them, per period of time, whether or not that person seeks care.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Independent practice association
- Wikipedia's article - Independent practice association
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