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Supplement to Managed Care: Continuing Education Credit  Mind Your Body: The Intersection of Physical and Behavioral Health Free download |
Vol. 15, No. 4
April 2006
Health plan executives and CMS officials are betting the farm that disease management works — clinically and economically. Yet there are many ways to calculate financial outcomes. When renewing vendor contracts, try to weigh all the variables.
Q&A: Paul Fronstin Weighs In on CDHPs
This well-known researcher at the Employee Benefit Research Institute says to expect backlash from employers if the consumer-directed product does not produce savings. At the moment, he says, we have "consumer-driven lite."
Doctors Need Help Recognizing Depression
Simple and effective screening methods are available, but doctors often feel that they are too strapped for time. Health plans can encourage physicians to make the effort.
Omega-3 Supplements Are Cost-Effective
Improved outcomes result when omega-3 fatty acids are used on patients who suffer a first heart attack. Researchers find that "despite model limitations," they should be considered an important option in preventing secondary coronary events.
Mixed news on the quality front.
Specialists decry P4P deal.
Waiving copayments for generics.
News and Commentary
UnitedHealth Extends Credit When Patients Pay Providers
NJ Law Extends Parents' Coverage From 18 to 30
Headlines On Deadline
Plaudits for California P4P program.
Lifestyle change takes bucks.
Fewer GI therapies in the pipeline.