Practicing pathology through multiple hospitals at multiple sites. Practice management issues.

OBJECTIVE

To describe a successful method of management for pathologists to use in an environment of hospital consolidation and managed care.

DESIGN

This article draws on the experience of a large, pathologist-owned regional laboratory in applying management principles needed for practice in the future.

SETTING

A group of 20 pathologists, with 19 affiliated pathologists (multiple groups) practicing in rural and urban areas of five states in the Southern Plains.

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Planning, personnel management, organizational structure, finance, and information systems are necessary keys for pathology management in a dispersed system.

CONCLUSION

The opportunity exists for a professionally and economically satisfying practice in the medical environment of the future.