Optometry & Vision Science

As the number of private practices decreases in favor of multi-doctor or multi-disciplinary offices, health maintenance

organization (HMOs), preferred provider organization (PPOs), and chain-store practices, the question of survival of the

private practice or solo practitioner remains a concern to the profession as well as the individual doctor. As insurance companies

and increasing governmental oversight grows, the private practitioner can feel that he or she is obsolete, overwhelmed, or simply

unable to cope with the changing healthcare picture. As the profession grows, with increasing responsibility and ever expanding

scope of licensure, the issue of quality of care, prevention of litigation, meeting or exceeding the patient’s needs, and coordinating

with other practitioners to better care for the patient population continues to grow. Weighing the viable options can be equally

daunting for the experienced practitioner as well as the newly licensed professional. Options may be limited due to financial

constraints, geographic restrictions, practitioner age and experience, and proximity of patients and professional or other healthcare

colleagues and urgent care or emergency services. Before signing the death-knoll of private practice it is essential to weigh

all the options, the benefits and detractors, and reassess the projected future of the private practitioner and this mode of practice.