The intersection of a growing elderly population, the high rate of uninsured Americans, a weakened economy, healthcare reform and ongoing cuts to Medicare reimbursement has created a perfect storm that is testing the limits of the U.S. healthcare system and, specifically, independent physician practice models.

In 1910, William Mayo, founder of the Mayo Clinic, said, The best interest of the patient is the only interest to be considered. Nearly 100 years later, these words still ring true. As the Obama administration, Congress and others begin to tackle healthcare reform, it is critical that the interests of patients be the driving force of any systemic overhaul.