AMA to big managed care: ungag doctors

Article Abstract:

The American Medical Assn (AMA) believes that policies adopted by certain large managed care medical plans to prevent physicians from fully discussing treatment plans with their patients are wrong and should be ended. The contract clauses, known as 'gag orders' or 'loyalty oaths,' stipulate that doctors not tell patients anything that might lead to a reduction in patient confidence in the health plan. As the result of a large AMA media campaign, several states banned the contract clauses, and one HMO, U.S. Healthcare, decided to abandon it.

HEALTH SERVICES, Health Maintenance Organizations, HMO Medical Centers, Laws, regulations and rules, Political activity, Column, Physician and patient, Physician-patient relations, American Medical Association

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Doctors can rebound and take charge of their future

Article Abstract:

Physicians can evaluate their practices and make plans to gain more control over the economic factors affecting them. First, they should evaluate factors such as the local competition and each physician's weaknesses and strengths. Then they should analyze these elements in the larger context of the health care system. Physicians should consider banding together,possibly through a merger of practices. Additional information on evaluating a physician's practice is included.

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