MINNEAPOLIS, April 7, 2008—When physicians are under pressure to collect, track and report data about the quality of the care they provide, how can small practices develop the infrastructure needed to compete?

Some physicians are opting to collaborate with independent—sometimes even competing—colleagues to respond to these pressures.

Physician collaboration may allow physicians to jointly contract with health insurance companies and other third-party payers.

The AMA has published a booklet: Competing in the marketplace: How physicians can improve quality and increase their value in the health care market through medical practice integration.

Outlining various strategies for practice integration—including practice mergers, financial integration and clinical integration—this resource can help practices stay competitive while complying with antitrust laws.

The AMA describes the booklet as essential for the 35 percent of office-based physicians who are in solo practice, or the 53 percent who practice in groups of two to 10.

This booklet, along with other resources about antitrust issues physicians face, are available online for AMA members at no charge.

Physicians may also call (800) 621-8335 to obtain a courtesy copy.