Questions Physicians Should Ask when Considering Employment by an Integrated Health System (Integrated Health Systems‪)‬

An increasing percentage of physicians leaving residency and fellowship training are likely to join large, complex and, perhaps, national integrated health systems. An "integrated health system" is one that offers an employment opportunity to physicians (typically an employment contract with a defined compensation and benefits package). The mature integrated health systems seek to establish long-term relationships with physicians as employees. These systems can provide satisfying professional opportunities for physicians. A substantial part of the success of the relationship for the physician and the health system is getting the relationship right from the beginning, establishing clarity regarding expectations for all concerned. (1)