Avera Medical Group Expands

Meets Changing Medical World

In just 21 months since its inception,the Avera Medical Group:

• Has grown by 23 clinic locations
• Has added 115 new physicians
• Has grown by some 12 midlevel providers
• Enjoys board-level certification of some 90 percent of its physicians

One might wonder what has driven such positive growth? “Primarily, Avera Medical Group is a high-functioning, transparent and open culture – a true testament to those who have joined. Our local touch with the added benefits of the system really helps to create a transparent model,” explains David Flicek, vice president of the group.

Adding that there are other reasons, David goes on to explain the complicated and uncertain state of health care. He notes that health care is top-of-mind in this country and for good reason. Among the factors he describes that contribute to the complexity of the medical model are:

• Flat and declining reimbursement
• Health care costs
• Pressure to improve and measure quality
• Increased competition
• Patients’ changing expectations about their medical encounters
• Risk of malpractice suits
• Workforce shortages
• Regulatory compliance
• Increased overhead
• Complicated revenue cycles and supply chains
• Technological implementation

Further, changing demographics among providers nip at the white coat of the former practice model, where physicians sometimes put in more than 100 hours a week. A recent article in Health Leaders¹ magazine discusses the growing diversity in the workforce as Generation X workers – the oldest of whom are now in their 40s – establish careers more focused on work preferences and life balance. Just some statistics of note:

• One in five physicians now prefers part-time work.
• In 1975, the physician force was 90.9-percent male and under 35. Today that percentage is 53.7.
• In 1975, the physician force was 9.1-percent female and under 35. Today that percentage is 46.3.

“While health care in general learns to adapt to diverse work and practice styles, many appreciate a model such as the Avera Medical Group for its collegiality, support of the individual practice and long-range security, all backed by the resources of the health system,” David says. “As the benefits provided by the system continue to evolve, so will the benefits of Avera Medical Group. Take a look at what is happening as we leverage technology through services like eEmergency.We are bringing physician colleagues together in whole new ways.” 

“Avera has a strong history of valuing partnerships with both independent and employed physicians,” reminds David. “This newer approach continues this tradition and provides yes another option for physician partnership."

Avera Medical Group Welcomes Aberdeen Practice

Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates became part of the Avera Medical Group, effective Jan. 1, 2010. The practice will be called Avera OB/GYN Associates. Physicians at the specialty care clinic are Drs. Scott Berry,Tage Born, Gregg Carlson and Christine Stehly. All four are board certified in obstetrics and gynecology.

Every year, the physicians help some 600 babies come into the world at
Avera St. Luke’s BirthPlace. Avera OB/GYN Associates joins 28 physicians in Avera St. Luke’s Clinic Division, including Avera Aberdeen Family Physicians and Avera Internal Medicine Specialists, who have served patients in the area for many years.