On March 26, 2010, Conrad Meyer, special partner in health law section at Chaffe McCall, presented a seminar on Hospital/Physician Integration to the Louisiana Hospital Associations Rural Hospital Leadership Forum.  Over twelve Chief Executive Officers from various Louisiana Rural Hospitals attended the presentation.  The discussion centered on the current trend of hospitals acquiring physician practices due to various market conditions.  Despite past mistakes during hospital acquisitions in the past, hospitals have learned how to integrate physicians giving physicians more control over practice as well as better incentives after acquisition.  With physician shortages, including hospitals increasing problems with finding call coverage to fulfill EMTALA obligations, physician practice acquisitions are becoming very popular.  By acquiring physician practices, hospitals can increase or start new service lines, reduce threat of competition, increase reimbursement and provide more quality care to patients.   Physicians are looking to partner with hospitals as well due to failing reimbursement for professional services in today`s health care marketplace.  In addition, Stark exceptions are revised each year with continue limitations on ancillary services allowing physicians additional revenue streams.  As such, physicians are leading toward integration with hospitals to reduce continued stress and alleviate the burdens of private practice in light of the pressures outlined above.  The seminar provided the Hospital leadership with the pitfalls and practical aspect of hospital/physician integration that included specifics on how to manage, avoid pitfalls and conclude a successful acquisition of a physician practice by a hospital.  Please feel free to click the following link to Mr. Meyer`s Presentation to LHA Rural Leadership Forum