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Running an independent practice is hard. That’s why we’ve gathered insights, guides, and expert advice on the topics that matter most—helping you stay informed, empowered, and in control of your future.

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Meroka CEO on Building a Decentralized Health System

Meroka CEO Alex Barrett joins the Going Direct podcast to discuss how Meroka is helping physicians return to independent practice through employee ownership and tech-driven support.

Independent Physicians Are Being Left Behind

Medicare and commercial insurance payments to independent physicians have plummeted compared to hospitals, forcing many to sell or shut down. At Meroka, we’re proving there’s another way.

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July 18, 2025

Meroka CEO on Building a Decentralized Health System

Meroka CEO Alex Barrett joins the Going Direct podcast to discuss how Meroka is helping physicians return to independent practice through employee ownership and tech-driven support.
May 22, 2025

VC and Software Have PE Envy, But They’re Missing the Point

Venture capital and private equity often try to engineer businesses from the outside. Without employee commitment improvements are limited. Adding ownership as a source of leverage unlocks new models that combine capital, code and commitment, which is the Meroka approach.
April 27, 2025

Independent Physicians Are Being Left Behind

Medicare and commercial insurance payments to independent physicians have plummeted compared to hospitals, forcing many to sell or shut down. At Meroka, we’re proving there’s another way.
April 15, 2025

Meroka Spotlight: Dr. Stefanie Simmons on Systemic Change for Clinician Well‑Being

Dr. Stefanie Simmons speaks to Michigan legislators on the need for systemic change to protect clinician well‑being, calling for safer licensing, less admin burden, and evidence‑based support.
April 4, 2025

Another Independent Medical Practice Closes And It Won’t Be the Last

Anchor Medical Associates in Rhode Island is closing, leaving 25,000 patients without care. Rising costs, low reimbursements, and physician shortages are pushing independent practices nationwide to the brink.
March 12, 2025

Private Equity in Physician Practices: The Cost to Care

New research shows physician turnover surges after private equity takeovers, as profit takes priority over patient care. Meroka is building a better model that keeps doctors in charge.
January 13, 2025

Five Key Strategies for Managing Inflation in Medical Practices

Medical practices continue to face financial challenges due to inflation, such as rising supply costs and stagnant reimbursement rates. To navigate these pressures, practices can adopt five key strategies: optimizing revenue cycle management, outsourcing back-office functions, regularly auditing payor contracts, assessing business services, and strengthening data management and security.
January 3, 2025

Miscarriage Myths Debunked: Evidence-Based Guidance for Patients and Clinicians

Miscarriage remains one of the most misunderstood aspects of reproductive health, with myths and misinformation often causing unnecessary guilt and anxiety for patients. This article addresses the most pervasive misconceptions, highlights the difference between controllable and uncontrollable risk factors, and offers clinicians evidence-based strategies to support high-risk patients. By fostering clear communication, debunking harmful myths, and promoting patient education, clinicians can reduce stigma and improve patient well-being.
December 19, 2024

Choosing the Right Patient Management Software for Your Practice

Selecting the right patient management software is essential for improving operational efficiency and enhancing the patient experience. Our blog breaks down the key features of different systems, from appointment scheduling to billing, and offers insights on how to choose the best solution for your practice. Learn how the right software can transform your healthcare operations.
December 17, 2024

Optimizing Revenue Cycle Management for Independent Physician Practices: A Key to Success

Effective revenue cycle management (RCM) is essential for independent physician practices to maintain financial health and ensure compliance with healthcare regulations. Our blog post covers key components of RCM, from patient intake to denials management, and explores the importance of accurate RCM services. Learn how optimizing your revenue cycle can improve cash flow and operational efficiency.
December 16, 2024

Infertility Under the Microscope: A Call for Systemic and Holistic Solutions

Infertility affects 1 in 6 people worldwide and arises from various biological, lifestyle, and medical factors. While treatments like IVF and IUI are effective, holistic approaches such as stress management, acupuncture, and nutrition offer valuable support. The emotional toll is significant, impacting mental health and relationships. Patient-centered care, emotional support, and greater awareness are vital for navigating this journey.
December 9, 2024

Menopause Demystified: Stages, Symptoms, and the Importance of Open Dialogue

Menopause, a natural life stage, affects women physically, emotionally, and socially. Symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings, alongside increased health risks, highlight the need for open dialogue and personalized care. With treatments like HRT and lifestyle changes, clinicians can empower women to navigate this transition confidently.
November 24, 2024

Ob/Gyn Doctors: Independent vs. Employed – Which is Better?

Most Ob/Gyns in the US are now employed rather than independent, but surveys show patients prefer independent physicians. While employed doctors often earn more, many are dissatisfied with work hours, rules, and technology. Meroka helps independent Ob/Gyns stay autonomous and thrive.
November 6, 2024

Reimagining the Future of Medical Practice: How Independent Practices Can Thrive without Consolidation

Meroka envisions a future where independent medical practices thrive without corporate consolidation. By tackling challenges like low reimbursements, high costs, and talent retention, Meroka empowers small practices through innovative solutions such as collective bargaining, AI-driven efficiencies, and employee stock ownership plans. This approach preserves autonomy and restores the joy of practicing medicine, offering a sustainable alternative to consolidation while honoring the profession’s values.
October 29, 2024

The Role of Media and Society in the Undercare of Menopausal Women

Explore how media narratives and societal influences have shaped perceptions of menopause and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). This article delves into the impact of historical events, such as the Women’s Health Initiative of 2002, and the rise of breast cancer awareness, which fueled skepticism around HRT. It calls for a balanced, informed approach to menopausal care, advocating for updated information to empower women and healthcare professionals.
October 21, 2024

Choosing ESOPs Over Private Equity

Physician practice owners are increasingly choosing Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) over private equity acquisitions to maintain control, enhance employee loyalty, and achieve financial stability. By transitioning ownership to employees, clinics can preserve their practice’s core values and mission, ensuring long-term success and stability.
October 14, 2024

Enhancing Patient Care Through Employee Ownership

By implementing an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), healthcare clinics can enhance patient care through increased engagement, motivation, and accountability among employees, leading to better patient outcomes and higher satisfaction rates. ESOPs create a culture of ownership, fostering a more collaborative and dedicated workforce that drives continuous improvement and innovation.
October 9, 2024

5 Key Takeaways from the ACOG District II Meeting in Brooklyn

Meroka attended the ACOG District II Annual Meeting where we explored key topics like artificial intelligence (AI), health equity, and leadership in women’s healthcare. The insights we heard reinforced our mission to support independent OBGYN practices by staying ahead of industry changes. Learn more in our latest blog post.
September 27, 2024

Financial Benefits of ESOPs for Healthcare Clinics

Transitioning to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) can significantly enhance the financial health and long-term success of your healthcare clinic, offering tax advantages, improved cash flow, and improved patient and clinician satisfaction. By adopting an ESOP model, clinics can improve their financial performance, increase employee engagement and retention, and build a more stable and resilient organization.
September 15, 2024

Implementing an ESOP: A Step-by-Step Guide

Implementing an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) can be a transformative step for your healthcare clinic, offering benefits like enhanced employee loyalty and financial stability. To help educate our readers and clients, this step-by-step guide provides an overview of the process from feasibility analysis to implementation and ongoing management. By partnering with Meroka, practice owners take each of these steps off their plate. We handle the complexity. You rest easier.
August 13, 2024

Consolidation in Healthcare: A Guide for Independent OBGYNs

Greater consolidation of independent practices means the healthcare landscape is shifting.This movement, characterized by the merging of individual medical practices with larger healthcare systems, brings a mix of opportunities and challenges for healthcare providers. Independent OBGYN practices have reached a crossroads.
August 6, 2024

Elevating Patient-Centered Care: Transforming the OBGYN Experience with Meroka

In healthcare, one principle endures: placing the patient at the center of care. There is perhaps no speciality where this principle is more important than obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN). For OBGYNs, the quality of the patient experience not only strengthens the all-important bond between parent and child, it influences overall patient satisfaction and, therefore, loyalty to the practice.
June 26, 2024

Independent Physicians Will Win

Physician independence is making a comeback. Meroka is helping doctors reclaim ownership, reduce admin burden, and deliver better care.
April 30, 2024

How an ESOP allows a physician to sell their practice and keep it independent

This article describes what Employee Shared Ownership Plans (ESOPs) are, their benefits, ideal businesses that can leverage them, as well as how they should be setup and structured
April 25, 2024

What physician autonomy really looks like

When medical professionals have the freedom to practice in a way that supports them as expert clinicians, they see better health and financial outcomes.
April 23, 2024

How to retire and keep your medical practice independent

It’s never too early to start having conversations about succession planning. Allowing for a gradual transition can mitigate risk and will set everyone, from your staff to your patients, up for success.
April 22, 2024

Why independent physicians need a community support network now more than ever

Independent doctors are looking to learn from and alongside each other as a means of asserting their autonomy in the shadow of consolidation.

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Want to Learn More?

You’ve dedicated your career to your patients and your community. Now, let’s secure your legacy. Meroka helps you transition your practice while keeping it in the hands of those who know it best: your incredible employees. Get in touch to explore your options.