Independent practice association
In the United States, an independent practice association (IPA), also known as an independent provider association, independent physician association, individual practice association or integrated physician association, is an association of independent physicians, or other organizations that contracts with independent care delivery organizations, and provides services to managed care organizations on a negotiated per capita rate, flat retainer fee, or negotiated fee-for-service basis. == Operation == An HMO or other managed care plan can contract with an IPA, which in turn contracts with independent care providers or physicians to treat members at discounted fees or on a capitation basis.
Source: Wikipedia — Independent practice association (CC BY-SA 4.0)