The Difference between IPA and MSO?
What is the main point of dissimilarity between an IPA (Independent Providers’ Association) and an MSO (Management Service Organization)? There seems to be a lot of confusion and the two terms are often used interchangeably. An IPA is a coming together of providers to collectively provide health plans with the opportunity to connect with multiple practices at the same time notwithstanding that participation is voluntary and negotiations may be separate between each practice and the plan. There are special "safety zone" rules that allow certain communications between competing practices and the use of a common IPA or consultant that IPA members can take advantage of collective bargaining or even communications without a proper IPA vehicle and appropriate procedures can create serious anti-trust issues and should be avoided. An IPA is a contracting entity – it holds managed care contracts and develops a provider network to service the contract. An MSO is an organization that im