Which HMO type employs providers directly?

The staff model HMO is characterized by employing healthcare providers directly. In this structure, the HMO hires physicians and other medical staff as employees who work in the HMO’s facilities. This direct employment allows the HMO to create a strong alignment between the organization’s goals and the care provided, as the physicians are incentivized to focus on patient care within the context of the HMO’s policies and procedures.

Furthermore, because the physicians are employees, the staff model can often provide a higher degree of coordination in care and potentially better patient outcomes due to the cohesive nature of the healthcare delivery system. The physicians in a staff model typically work full-time within the HMO's facilities, which allows for streamlined communication and a unified approach to patient care.

Other types of HMOs, like the group model, network model, or independent practice associates, may contract with physicians or groups, rather than directly employing them, leading to different dynamics in how care is administered and how providers interact with the system.