Playing well with others: The challenge of academic and community radiology practice integration

OBJECTIVE. In this article, we review models for clinical integration across the full spectrum of radiologic services in merged health systems that include both academic and community practice components. We also discuss the issues involved in the integration of disparate practice models and reward systems for both the community radiology group and the academic faculty practice group. CONCLUSION. Although we see advantages to the current trends in mergers and acquisitions within academic radiology, it remains to be seen whether academic and community practice radiology groups can truly work and play well together.