Vol. 8, No. 9
September 1999
Early PHOs lacked focus, while hospitals and physicians tussled. A good medical director can make all the difference.
The Internet, market forces, and political pressure promise to strengthen this overlooked player's hand. More knowledgeable patients present opportunities -- as well as challenges.
The once-common house call is becoming attractive again. HMOs are interested because it can prevent hospitalization.
Florida officials want to contract directly with provider groups to serve low-income populations. The project, to kick off next month, was created expressly to provide competition for plans.
Why is Mark Leavitt, M.D., smiling? Radio took 30 years to reach half the population; TV got there in 18 years; the Internet, less than five -- with enormous health implications.
Editor's Memo
Will Consumers Exercise Their New Power Wisely?
News and Commentary
AMA, Federal Government Fret More About Online
Prescribing and Pharmacy
New Fee Schedule For Medicare Helps Office Docs
NCQA: Member satisfaction and clinical quality
related [chart]
Physicians Seen As Next in Line For NCQA
Review
Bipartisan Bill Gains Momentum, Worries
Industry
Sagging Fortunes Cited in Departure Of Humana's
CEO
Headlines on Deadline...
Washington Watch
Deathwatch for AHCPR Ends As Funding Mandate
Changes
State Initiatives
Businesses Brace for Premium Hikes as Reform Fever Strikes California
Compensation Monitor
Specialists' salaries on rise [chart]
Ethics
Community-Based Research: Not Just for Pharmaceuticals
Legal Forum
Health Plans That Decredential Docs Must Do It Correctly and Expect a Fight
Managed Care Outlook
Is the degree of restriction on choice of care overstated? [chart]
![NCQA: Member satisfaction and clinical quality related [chart]](../../../archiveMC/9909/9909.news_ncqamember.gif){kind=link}
![Specialists' salaries on rise [chart]](../../../archiveMC/9909/9909.compmon.gif){kind=link}