Managed care has produced dramatic changes in the treatment of mental health and substance abuse problems, known as behavioral health. Managing Managed Care offers an urgently needed assessment of managed care for behavioral health and a framework for purchasing, delivering, and ensuring the quality of behavioral health care. It presents the first objective analysis of the powerful multimillion-dollar accreditation industry and the key accrediting organizations. Managing Managed Care draws evidence-based conclusions about the effectiveness of behavioral health treatments and makes recommendations that address consumer protections, quality improvements, structure and financing, roles of public and private participants, inclusion of special populations, and ethical issues. The volume discusses trends in managed behavioral health care, highlighting the emerging role of the purchaser. The committee explores problems of overlap and fragmentation in the delivery of behavioral health care and discusses the issue of access, a special concern when private systems are restricted and public systems overburdened. Highly applicable to the larger health care system, this volume will be of particular interest to all stakeholders in behavioral healthâ€"federal and state policymakers, public and private purchasers, health care providers and administrators, consumers and consumer advocates, accrediting organizations, and health services researchers.

This article identifies the impact of managed-care reforms on the utilization of medical services within the military health-services system. The data come from a recent demonstration project that substituted a health maintenance organization (HMO) and preferred provider organization (PPO) for traditional fee-for-service (FFS) arrangements. Results from a semiparametric model indicate that the generosity of benefits in the HMO increased demand for ambulatory services. Unlike the private-sector experience with managed care, aggressive utilization review did not significantly curtail inpatient stays. These results vitiate the presumed effectiveness of reform strategies that rely on large, geographically diffused managed-care networks to contain public-sector health costs.

An examination of employers' recent experience with managed care in terms of cost control & employee perspectives. Charts, tables & graphs.

Given the recent and rapid developments in the delivery of health care in the United States, never has it been more important to have the most up-to-date resources for teaching students about this complex and dynamic industry. Now in its Fifth Edition, Delivering Health Care in America offers the most current and comprehensive overview of the basic structures and operations of the U.S. health system--from its historical origins and resources, to its individual services, cost, and quality. Using a unique systems approach, this bestselling text brings together an extraordinary breadth of information into a highly accessible, easy-to-read resource that clarifies the complexities of health care organization and finance, while presenting a solid overview of how the various components fit together. New to this Edition: New material on U.S. health reform New material on health reform in other countries New material on Healthy People 2020 New information on CMS s innovative healthcare delivery New information on community health centers Introduction of the medical home concept Data update throughout the book Latest research findings as applicable Enhanced content on The Patient Protection and Affordability Act of 2010 Enhanced content on clinical guidelines Enhanced content on public health system and services Enhanced content on vulnerable populations Enhanced content on primary care from the Global Perspective Revised perspectives on the future of health care in America Instructor Resources: Transition Guide, Instructor's Manual, PowerPoint Presentations, TestBank Student Resources: Glossary, Flash Cards, Crosswords, Matching Questions, Web Links"