Structuring competitive physician compensation programs.

One of the most momentous recent changes in the healthcare marketplace is the movement of physicians from the private practice of medicine to full- or part-time employment. As increasing numbers of physicians become employees of healthcare organizations, structuring competitive physician compensation programs to attract and retain physicians will become increasingly important for the financial well-being of healthcare organizations. Healthcare executives should use data from an adequate sample of competing physician employers in structuring physician compensation programs consistent with their organization's strategic goals and objectives.