HMOs: doctors can freely talk to patients

Article Abstract:

Health maintenance organizations' (HMOs) attempts at self-regulation are admirable but insufficient, according to congressional lawmakers seeking to implement legislation designed to weed out the transgressors which have spurred HMO forays into self-regulation. Thus, the December 1996 initiative announced by the American Association of Health Plans, which promised to improve doctor-patient communication, will be unlikely to deter Congress from seeking legislation to prevent 'gag clauses' that unfairly prevent said communication.

Laws, regulations and rules

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HHS: managed care applied brakes to '95 health spending

Article Abstract:

National health care spending rose only 5.1% in 1994 and 5.5%, to $988.5 billion, in 1995, the lowest rates since the 1960's. Managed care spending rose just 2.9% in 1995, while expenditures for physician services were up 5.8% in 1995, to $201.6 billion. The expansion of managed care and a more price-aggressive private insurance system are contributing to the slow growth in spending.

Health Care, Health Care and Social Assistance, Administration of Public Health Programs, Health Care Services, Finance, Medical care

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Study: HMO hospital stays same as fee for service

Article Abstract:

A new American Assn of Health Plans study found that health maintenance organizations and fee-for-service plans have hospital length-of-stay patterns that are similar. This study was revealed as the US Congress plans to regulate health maintenance organization quality. It shows that managed care does not try to force everyone to accept the same kind of health care in every situation.

Evaluation

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