What is a characteristic of a Physician Hospital Organization (PHO)?

A Physician Hospital Organization (PHO) is fundamentally characterized by its collaborative structure that includes both hospitals and physicians. This partnership is integral as it allows for the integration of services, improving care delivery while also addressing the financial aspects of healthcare. The cooperation between healthcare providers ensures that the PHO can effectively manage clinical and quality outcomes, as well as negotiations with payers.

The nature of a PHO is to create a network that enhances the ability to deliver comprehensive healthcare services. It serves not only to streamline operations between hospitals and physicians but also to facilitate better patient outcomes through coordinated care. By fostering this collaborative environment, PHOs can effectively negotiate contracts and establish shared goals that improve overall health services.

This dual involvement of hospitals and physicians is crucial for the functioning of a PHO, making the distinction clear that such organizations cannot exist without both entities working together.