Strategic relationships are at the heart of POWM's growth and increasing influence as both a physicians' organization and managed care organization.

POWM has successfully teamed with ASR Corporation to develop the Physicians Care PPO network now one of the fastest growing PPO's in West Michigan. The partnership with ASR is key to our continued success in offering a quality managed care option to the employer community.

American Physicians Assurance Corporation (formerly MICOA) offers discounted professional liability and other insurance products to POWM members. It is also a partner in a real estate venture that owns the building that houses POWM's executive offices.

POWM Physician Services, Inc. is under contract to provide physicians and physician assistants' services for patients admitted to the Blodgett Campus, as well as provides inpatient services for private patients referred by staff physicians at the Butterworth Campus. This collaboration represents a new and expanding role for us in representing the interests of physicians in the local healthcare marketplace. Our support of the formation of an independent hospitalist group will help ensure that unassigned admissions are distributed fairly to all staff physicians, whether or not they are members of POWM.

Services offered by Physician Transcription Service (PTS) ranks high on the list of “value added” services most requested by POWM members. In mid-1999 we started offering transcription services with exceptionally high quality, 24-hour turnaround and special rates for POWM members. The increased use of digital technology has eliminated the tape dictation system and means that transcriptions no longer need to be within driving distance of a physician’s office. PTS continues to provide a high quality service at competitive rates.

POWM continues to forge relationships with other POs, PHOs and physician-driven networks across the state. It is open to any business opportunity that improves the quality of care for patients or promotes the independence of physicians.