Most HMOs profitable as market matured in 1991

Article Abstract:

Eighty-three percent of health maintenance organizations (HMOs) reported a profit in 1991 as the market stabilized after two years of growth. Premiums rose and mismanaged HMOs were driven out as the market matured. During 1991 HMOs used extensive cost cutting measures including home health care and financial risk sharing, where a physician receives a set fee for each patient regardless of treatment. Member feedback and physician credentials were used for quality control by 98% and 97.1% of HMOs, respectively. The average single monthly premium was $131.21.

Statistics, Health maintenance organizations

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Manipulative therapy gains interest; DOs seeks more study

Article Abstract:

The osteopathic medical technique of manipulation is becoming more accepted by patients seeking treatment and by mainstream physicians. A Harvard University study found one in three Americans used nontraditional medical care in 1994, and there is some indication that the technique is effective in some treatments, especially low back pain. Osteopathic medical schools are putting more stress on the technique, and the American Osteopathic Assn is collecting $6 million for research, with the first study due in Sep, 1995.

Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists), Offices of osteopathic physicians, Osteopathic Physicians, Research, Usage, Physicians, Public opinion, Manipulation (Therapeutics), Orthopedic manipulation, Osteopathy, American Osteopathic Association

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Consumer interest pushing demand for home test kits

Article Abstract:

Consumers are purchasing more home use medical test kits as self-treatment gains popularity. The three most demanded categories are blood glucose tests, 77%, pregnancy kits 18% and tests that predict ovulation 3%. New models of the pregnancy and ovulation tests take only three minutes or less, and the new blood glucose kits take only 45 seconds. Business analysts predict that the medical test kit market will expand 13.5% to a value of $970 million by 1996.

Surgical and medical instruments, Marketing, Medical equipment industry, Medical test kit industry

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