Understanding Pain Management
Corporate Medicine vs. Private Practice
Corporate Medicine
Large medical facilities, like a hospital or chain of smaller clinics.
Pros
Many locations to choose from.
Consistency of systems.
Large group of providers who refer to other physicians within the corporation – convenient and familiar for the patient.
Cons
- Large group of providers who refer to other physicians within the corporation – may prevent referring a patient to a more qualified and skilled physician outside of the corporation.
Physicians may be given limitations with their treatment options due to corporation restrictions.
- Physicians cannot control or change the “customer experience” portion of the patient experience.
Less flexibility with patients due to rigid corporate systems.
Patients may feel more like a number than a person.
Private Practice
One to several private practices within the same geographical location. Typically 10 or fewer physicians within the company.
Pros
More intimate, detailed care.
Physician controls both patient care and full patient experience.
More patient flexibility – humans understanding humans.
Patients can be sent to whomever the provider chooses, allowing for better quality referrals and ultimately, better patient outcomes overall.
Patients feel like they are part of a community, as opposed to a corporate system.
Cons
May have longer wait times to make an appointment.
- Fewer locations available.
Referrals, labs, and imaging typically occur outside of the facility.
Don’t let pain hold you back