In the independent model, the HMO contracts with an existing group to provide physician services to members. The Kaiser Foundation Health Plan is an example of a captive group. The Geisinger Clinic is an example of an independent group practice. Group models of either type share some of the advantages of staff-model HMOs. Conducting utilization reviews, implementing clinical guidelines, and standardizing processes of care is facilitated in this model.
Hours tend to be more regular and physicians are salaried.
Physicians are more like employees in this model also, as opposed to independent contractors. The group exerts a certain amount of control over the way physicians practice through utilization mechanisms, productivity requirements, and the like. In this model, an HMO contracts with several groups of physicians to provide services to the HMO's members. The HMO may contract with several large multi-specialty groups or with many groups of primary care practitioners. Physicians maintain their own offices and are often compensated through a payment method know as capitation.