ABSTRACT
This chapter develops a philosophy of management that facilitates a smooth working relationship between physicians and nonphysician administrative staff. The chapter identifies clinical, organizational, and communication needs to be addressed at the administrative level and develops a plan for communications to keep medical group staff and patients/members informed effectively. It supports physicians' leadership by encouraging their increased participation in the groups' planning and strategic development process, governance structure, and as public representatives of the medical practice in community activities. The success of physicians' practices can be enhanced by understanding how to provide more services of greater quality to an increasing number of patients at lower cost. It is important for administrators to understand how physicians differ among themselves and how they change in their attitudes toward broad political questions and basic issues in the organization of health care at all levels.
