The promise of satellite clinics

J. M. Nelson, L. G. Kleinsteiber and C. E. Johnson

A community hospital has developed a successful model for establishing affiliated primary care centers in semirural areas without the use of federal or foundation money. Unique features of the program include funding through community stock sales and ultimate control by a community board of directors. Additional features include the establishment of a for-profit, wholly owned subsidiary of the hospital; development of a complete range of planning, management, and recruitment services; retention of freedom of choice for referrals and hospitalizations by both patients with physicians; and a but-our provision for the physicians.