<p>To me, the essence of private practice should be that you are your own boss. You make your own decisions about how you will practice (for example you don’t HAVE to accept Medicare, or any other insurance for that matter), and accept that this means no guaranteed “salary” (and certainly not always more than being employed, especially if you count benefits). In my mind it is first, and foremost a business, although a unique one. To me, this means working for a hospital or large group, where they limit your decision making in exchange for a gaurenteed income, does not count.</p>