As hospitals continue to employ more physicians, organized labor unions may be looking like an attractive option for some, according to an article from INTEGRATED Healthcare Strategies.
In the 1990s, the last time hospitals ventured into employing physicians, there was no true employment relationship, "which stifled physician union organizing" back then, according to the article.
However, hospitals and physicians have more defined expectations, and contracts, for each other. In addition, some physicians may view the strong registered nurses unions as beneficial models as they, too, search for a work environment that is more predictable, less risky and offers a reasonable salary.
"Increasing employment with a group having high income level expectations in a declining reimbursement environment is a formula for physician dissatisfaction," wrote Kevin Haeberle, senior vice president at INTEGRATED and author of the article. "The situation is ripe for pushing physicians to look at the model developed by RN unions — leave the responsibility for patient care to the hospital or [accountable care organization] leadership, and use collective bargaining to leverage their unique skills and position in the healthcare model."
In the 1990s, the last time hospitals ventured into employing physicians, there was no true employment relationship, "which stifled physician union organizing" back then, according to the article.
However, hospitals and physicians have more defined expectations, and contracts, for each other. In addition, some physicians may view the strong registered nurses unions as beneficial models as they, too, search for a work environment that is more predictable, less risky and offers a reasonable salary.
"Increasing employment with a group having high income level expectations in a declining reimbursement environment is a formula for physician dissatisfaction," wrote Kevin Haeberle, senior vice president at INTEGRATED and author of the article. "The situation is ripe for pushing physicians to look at the model developed by RN unions — leave the responsibility for patient care to the hospital or [accountable care organization] leadership, and use collective bargaining to leverage their unique skills and position in the healthcare model."
More Articles on Hospital Unions:
More Than 3K Nurses to Strike at Sutter Health Hospitals
3 Workforce Management Issues to Address During Transaction Discussions
9 Recent Strikes, Contract Agreements and Unionizations at Hospitals