Latest 'Consumer Reports' rates managed care plans

Article Abstract:

Consumer Reports magazine named Blue Cross and Blue Shield of the Rochester (New York) Area as the plan with the highest member satisfaction rating in its profile of 37 health maintenance organizations and 14 preferred provider organizations. The magazine based the ratings on responses from 30,000 subscribers, but also analyses the preventative care offered by each plan as well as reporting the utilization rate. About 10% of all patients surveyed said they did not get treatment they needed because their HMO discouraged it. The article also criticises the National Committee for Quality Assurance's accreditation process.

Periodical Publishers, Direct Health and Medical Insurance Carriers, Periodicals, General & Consumer Periodicals, Preferred Provider Health Plans, Evaluation, Reports, Health care industry, Surveys, Patient satisfaction, Periodical publishing, General interest magazines, Preferred provider organizations (Medical care), Consumer Reports (Periodical)

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Young physicians take aim at HMO's discrimination

Article Abstract:

The American Medical Association Young Physicians Section is targeting health maintenance organizations for policies that discriminate against new doctors. The physicians' group claims that case volumes and board certification requirements place young doctors in a "Catch 22" position. The quality proxies require young doctors to meet quantity and quality standards designed for experienced doctors.

Cases, Human resource management, Political activity, American Medical Association, Age discrimination

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Kaiser will turn arbitration over to neutral party

Article Abstract:

Kaiser Permanente will surrender control of its binding-arbitration system, in line with a recommendation made by a special panel. Kaiser formed the panel following a California Supreme Court ruling strongly critical of the HMO's self-administered malpractice-claims-handling system. The panel recommended that an independent administrator be put in charge of the system by Apr 1, 1998.

Management, Arbitrators, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan Inc.

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