Independent Physician Associations (IPAs): How They Work & Should You Join One?

Independent Physician Associations (IPAs) are gaining traction among independent doctors looking for better reimbursement rates and administrative support. If you’re running a solo practice, you’ve likely heard about them—but are they the right move for you? In this guide, I’ll break down how IPAs work, their benefits and downsides, and how to decide if joining one makes sense for your practice.

Key Takeaways

IPAs help independent doctors by negotiating better reimbursement rates and providing administrative support.
Not all IPAs are the same—some offer more benefits, while others may have restrictive contracts.
Due diligence is crucial before joining; check reimbursement rates, contract terms, and referral networks.
IPAs can provide cost savings on medical supplies, billing services, and credentialing assistance.
Leaving an IPA isn’t always easy—check exit clauses before signing a contract.

What is an Independent Physician Association (IPA)?

An Independent Physician Association (IPA) is exactly what it sounds like: a group of independent doctors who come together to negotiate better reimbursement contracts with insurance companies.

Why does this matter? Simple. As a solo physician, you have little leverage when it comes to negotiating with big insurance providers. But as part of an IPA, you’re part of a much larger group—meaning you get better rates, more resources, and potentially a steadier stream of patients.

Why Do Doctors Join Independent Physician Associations?

If you’re an independent physician, there are a few major benefits to joining an IPA:

Better Reimbursement Rates – Insurance companies are more likely to negotiate higher payments for a large group rather than a solo doctor.

Discounted Supplies & Medications – Some IPAs pool resources and offer bulk purchasing discounts on essential medical supplies.

Credentialing Assistance – Some IPAs handle credentialing for you, saving you time and hassle.

Administrative Support – Running a private practice means dealing with a ton of paperwork. An IPA can help lighten the load.

Networking & Collaboration – You’ll have access to a community of other doctors, which can be great for sharing best practices and troubleshooting issues.

Autonomy – The best part? You still run your own practice. You don’t have to answer to a hospital or large healthcare group—you just get the perks of being part of a bigger organization.

Are There Different Types of Independent Physician Associations?

Yes! Not all IPAs are created equal. Some are large, highly organized networks that operate on a statewide level, while others are small, local groups that cater to specific cities or regions.

It all depends on where you’re located.

For example:

California has a ton of IPAs—so if you’re practicing there, you might have multiple options.
Oregon is starting to see more IPAs pop up, but they’re still relatively new.
Other states may have very few IPAs, depending on the structure of the healthcare system in that region.

Want to find IPAs in your area? Google is your best friend. Try searching:
👉 “Independent Physician Associations near me”
👉 “Best IPAs for doctors in [your city]”

You can also talk to other local doctors, practice managers, or credentialing specialists to see which IPAs are worth considering.

Examples of Independent Physician Associations (IPAs)

Not all Independent Physician Associations (IPAs) are the same—some are large networks spanning multiple states, while others are smaller, regional groups that focus on specific healthcare needs. Here are a few examples of well-known IPAs across the U.S. to give you an idea of what’s out there.

Brown & Toland Physicians (California)

📍 Location: San Francisco Bay Area, CA
📋 Overview: One of the largest IPAs in California, Brown & Toland Physicians includes over 2,700 independent doctors and provides value-based care, risk-based contracts, and population health management.
💡 Best For: Physicians looking for strong insurance contracts and administrative support in California.

Heritage Provider Network (California, Arizona, & New York)

📍 Location: CA, AZ, NY
📋 Overview: Heritage Provider Network is a large multi-state IPA known for its capitated payment models and partnerships with HMOs. It supports primary care physicians and specialists with managed care expertise.
💡 Best For: Doctors who want to maximize revenue through HMO contracts and value-based care initiatives.

Independent Health Association (New York)

📍 Location: Western New York
📋 Overview: This IPA partners with Independent Health, a health plan that works closely with local physicians to improve patient outcomes and reimbursement rates through shared savings and quality incentives.
💡 Best For: Physicians in New York looking for strong insurance partnerships and value-based care opportunities.

Austin Regional Clinic (Texas)

📍 Location: Texas
📋 Overview: Austin Regional Clinic (ARC) is a large physician group and IPA that provides contracting support, quality care initiatives, and financial incentives for participating doctors in Texas.
💡 Best For: Physicians in Texas looking for a strong network with built-in patient referrals.

7. Greater New York Independent Physicians Association (GNYIPA)

📍 Location: New York City & surrounding areas
📋 Overview: GNYIPA represents independent doctors in NYC, helping them negotiate higher insurance reimbursements while providing billing, credentialing, and administrative support.
💡 Best For: NYC-area doctors who want better contracts with commercial insurance and Medicare Advantage plans.

The Downsides of Independent Physician Associations

While IPAs offer a ton of benefits, they aren’t perfect. Here are a few things to consider before joining one:

What if reimbursement rates drop?

If the IPA’s relationship with insurance companies goes south, you might actually get worse rates than you would as an independent doctor.

Are there conflicts of interest?

Make sure your IPA’s contracts align with your financial and patient care goals.

Do you need to pay to join?

Some IPAs require membership fees or sweat equity, so be sure to ask upfront what’s expected of you.

Are capitation plans better or worse?

In some cases, IPAs actually get lower reimbursements for certain types of capitation plans than a solo physician would.

This is why due diligence is key. Don’t just jump into an IPA without fully understanding what you’re signing up for.

How the Affordable Care Act Boosted IPAs

IPAs really took off after the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was introduced. Why? Because new administrative requirements made it harder for small practices to survive.

With value-based care, MIPS, and MACRA regulations, doctors suddenly had to track tons of extra data—and for many independent physicians, it was overwhelming.

IPAs provided a solution:

Shared resources to help meet these new requirements
Better patient care tracking
More financial stability for solo practitioners

That’s why you’re seeing more and more IPAs pop up, especially in areas with high HMO enrollment. If you’re in a region where HMOs and Medical Home Plans are common, chances are IPAs are thriving there.

How to Find the Right Independent Physician Associations for You

If you’re thinking about joining an IPA, here’s how to do your homework:

Search online – Google IPAs in your area.
Talk to other doctors – They’ve likely been through the process and can give you insights.
Ask credentialing specialists – They know which IPAs are worth considering.
Speak with IPA leadership – Find out what’s expected of you, what you get in return, and if it’s truly beneficial for your practice.

Bonus Tip: Some IPAs send out bonus payments at the end of the year if they hit their financial goals—so that could be an extra incentive to join.

Choose the Right IPA for Your Practice

Not all IPAs are created equal. Some can boost your revenue and help streamline your operations, while others might tie you up in unnecessary bureaucracy or—worst case—reduce your reimbursements.

If you’re thinking about joining an IPA, here’s what you need to know before signing on the dotted line.

Does the IPA Have Strong Insurance Contracts?

One of the biggest reasons to join an IPA is to negotiate better reimbursement rates with insurance companies. But here’s the thing—not all IPAs have strong contracts.

Some IPAs might actually get worse rates than you would on your own.

Before you join, ask:

What insurance companies does the IPA contract with?
What are the reimbursement rates for key services you offer?
Are these rates better than what you can get as a solo provider?

If the IPA’s rates are lower than what you could negotiate independently, it’s a red flag.

What Services Does the Independent Physician Associations Provide?

Some IPAs go above and beyond just handling insurance negotiations. They also offer:

Credentialing assistance (saving you time & stress)
Group purchasing discounts (for medical supplies, vaccines, etc.)
Billing & collections support
Administrative help for MIPS/MACRA compliance
Marketing support to attract more patients

👉 The more services an IPA offers, the more valuable it is.

If an IPA only provides contracting but nothing else, ask yourself—is it really worth it?

What Are the Costs & Obligations?

Joining an Independent Physician Associations isn’t always free. Some IPAs require:

Membership fees (monthly or annual)
Revenue sharing (they take a % of your reimbursements)
Sweat equity (you might have to participate in meetings, committees, etc.)

Before signing up, ask:

Are there upfront or ongoing costs?
Does the IPA take a cut of my revenue?
Are there any participation requirements?

Some IPAs provide incentive payments to members if the group performs well—but others might require contributions upfront.

How Does the IPA Handle Patient Referrals?

Some IPAs help doctors get more patients by:

Marketing your practice
Referring patients within the network
Partnering with HMOs & managed care plans

But not all IPAs do this!

Before joining, ask:

Does the IPA provide patient referrals?
Does it contract with HMOs or managed care organizations?
Will joining the IPA increase my patient volume?

If the IPA doesn’t help with referrals, you’ll need to make sure it’s worth it based on other factors (like reimbursement rates or admin support).

Does the Independent Physician Associations Align with Your Practice Goals?

Every IPA has its own structure and rules. Some focus on value-based care, while others prioritize fee-for-service reimbursements.

Before committing, ask yourself:

Does this IPA align with my long-term practice goals?
Will it restrict how I see patients or how I run my practice?
Will I still have full autonomy over medical decisions?

One of the biggest benefits of being an independent physician is control over your practice. Make sure the IPA doesn’t interfere with that.

What’s the IPA’s Reputation?

Not all IPAs are well-run. Some are efficient and organized, while others are poorly managed and can cause more headaches than benefits.

👉 Do your homework!

Check:

Online reviews (Google, physician forums, etc.)
Feedback from other doctors in your area
Any complaints or lawsuits involving the IPA

If an IPA has a history of late payments, contract disputes, or poor management, that’s a huge red flag.

How Easy Is It to Leave the IPA?

Let’s say you join an IPA, and after a year, you realize it’s not working for you.

Can you leave easily?

👉 Some IPAs have restrictive exit clauses that make it difficult (or expensive) to get out.

Before joining, check:

What’s the termination process?
Is there a contract length requirement?
Are there any penalties for leaving?

If an IPA locks you into a long-term contract with heavy exit fees, think twice before signing up.

Maximizing the Benefits of Your IPA Membership

So, you’ve done your due diligence and joined an Independent Physician Associations (IPA’s)—great! But now what?

Just being a member of an IPA isn’t enough. If you really want to get the most out of it, you need to actively engage and leverage the resources available to you.

Let’s go over some key strategies to maximize your IPA membership so you can increase reimbursements, reduce costs, and streamline your practice.

Take Advantage of Group Purchasing Discounts

One of the biggest perks of joining an IPA is access to bulk purchasing discounts on:

Medical supplies
Vaccines
Medications
Lab services

But here’s the catch—not all IPAs automatically apply discounts.

Make sure to ask your IPA representatives:

Which vendors offer discounts through the IPA?
Are there specific contracts I need to sign to qualify?
How much can I expect to save per order?

By actively seeking out cost-saving opportunities, you can cut overhead expenses and boost profitability.

Use Credentialing & Billing Support

If your IPA offers credentialing assistance, use it!

The credentialing process can be a nightmare for independent physicians, and a well-organized IPA can help you:

Get credentialed faster with insurance payers
Maintain compliance with Medicare/Medicaid requirements
Avoid rejected claims due to credentialing errors

Billing support is another game-changer. Some IPAs provide:

Billing software & services
Claims submission & follow-up
Denial management assistance

If you’re spending too much time dealing with insurance headaches, see if your IPA can help streamline the process.

Get Involved in IPA Leadership & Committees

Want to have a say in how your IPA operates?

Join an IPA committee or leadership group.

Being involved in decision-making gives you insider knowledge on:

Contract negotiations
New benefits & services
Changes in healthcare regulations

Plus, it positions you as an authority within your IPA network, which can lead to referral opportunities and stronger professional relationships.

Build Strong Referral Partnerships

One underrated benefit of an IPA is the built-in referral network.

If your IPA includes specialists, primary care physicians, and other providers, networking within the group can help increase patient referrals.

To maximize referrals:

Introduce yourself to other IPA members
Attend IPA networking events & meetings
Offer to collaborate with specialists in the group

The more you engage with other IPA providers, the more likely they are to send patients your way.

Stay on Top of Incentive Payments & Bonuses

Some IPAs distribute incentive payments to members based on performance metrics like:

Quality of care
Patient satisfaction
Cost savings achieved

To maximize earnings, find out:

What incentive programs exist?
What metrics you need to hit?
When payments are distributed?

If your IPA rewards members for hitting key healthcare benchmarks, make sure you’re tracking your performance so you don’t leave money on the table.

Monitor Your IPA’s Performance & Be Ready to Re-Evaluate

Not all IPAs are successful in the long run.

Sometimes, contract negotiations fail. Other times, reimbursement rates drop or administrative support declines.

Every year, ask yourself:

Is my IPA helping or hurting my practice?
Am I getting better reimbursement rates than before?
Are the benefits still worth the membership?

If your IPA is no longer delivering value, it might be time to switch to a better one—or leave altogether.

Independent Physician Associations (IPAs) – FAQ

What are Independent Physician Associations (IPAs)?

An Independent Physician Association (IPA) is a group of independent doctors who join together to negotiate better reimbursement rates with insurance companies. IPAs can also provide administrative support, credentialing assistance, and cost-saving benefits on supplies and services.

How do IPAs help independent doctors?

IPAs help independent doctors by leveraging their collective size to negotiate higher insurance reimbursements, reduce administrative burdens, and provide access to group discounts on medical supplies. Some also offer referral networks and bonus incentive programs.

Can I still run my practice independently if I join an IPA?

Yes! When you join an IPA, you retain full control over your medical practice, patient care, and daily operations. The IPA mainly helps with contract negotiations, reimbursements, and administrative support—but does not dictate how you run your practice.

How do I find an IPA in my area?

Start by Googling IPAs in your city or state. You can also ask other doctors, practice managers, or credentialing specialists in your area. Checking with local medical societies or insurance provider directories can also help.

Are all IPAs the same?

No. Some IPAs are large, highly organized networks covering multiple states, while others are small, local groups focused on a single city or region. They also vary in the services they offer, contract structures, and fee arrangements.

Do IPAs only work with primary care physicians?

No! While many IPAs focus on primary care, many also contract with specialists, surgeons, and other healthcare providers. The key is finding an IPA that aligns with your specialty and offers contracts that benefit you.

How do IPAs make money?

IPAs typically earn money through:

Membership fees paid by physicians
Revenue-sharing agreements where they take a percentage of reimbursements
Administrative service fees for credentialing, billing, or other support

Are there any downsides to joining an IPA?

While IPAs offer many benefits, there can be downsides such as:

Lower reimbursements on some contracts compared to direct negotiations
Membership fees or revenue-sharing models that may cut into profits
Exit restrictions that make it difficult to leave once you’ve joined

Can I leave an IPA if I don’t like it?

It depends on the contract terms. Some IPAs allow for easy withdrawal, while others have exit fees or contract length requirements. Always read the fine print before joining.

What should I look for in an IPA contract?

Check for:

Reimbursement rates compared to what you can get on your own
Any required fees or revenue-sharing agreements
Contract length and exit terms
What administrative services are included
Whether the IPA aligns with your patient population and specialty

Do IPAs provide patient referrals?

Some IPAs offer built-in referral networks, especially if they work with HMO plans or managed care organizations. Others do not—so always ask before joining if referrals are important to you.

Are IPAs growing or shrinking?

IPAs have grown significantly since the Affordable Care Act (ACA) due to increasing administrative burdens on independent practices. In areas with high HMO enrollment, IPAs continue to expand as a way for physicians to remain independent while gaining financial stability.

Final Thoughts: Is an Independent Physician Association Right for You?

Joining an Independent Physician Association (IPA) can be a smart move for independent doctors—if you choose the right one.

✅ It can help you get better reimbursement rates.
✅ It can reduce your administrative burden.
✅ It can save you money on supplies, billing, and credentialing.
✅ It can even provide extra income through incentive programs.

But…

❌ Not all IPAs are created equal.
❌ Some have restrictive contracts or poor management.
❌ In some cases, you might get worse reimbursement rates than going solo.

That’s why due diligence is crucial.

👉 Before joining an IPA, make sure it truly benefits your practice.

And once you’re in? Take full advantage of everything it offers!