title: Research in resource allocation in a prepaid group practice.
abstract: Much that has been written about the concept, operation, and performance of HMOs--their use of resources compared with other health service systems--masks the real differences among HMOs themselves. Investigation of autonomous units within a unified HMO program shows a surprising diversity. Analytic formulations drawn from long-term and large-scale research fail to account for variations in staffing, budgeting, rate setting, and expansion when applied to institutional research. Judgment of intangibles remains a key aspect of most major decisions.
mesh_terms: D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002017:Budgets; D002140:California; D003361:Cost Allocation; D006279:Health Maintenance Organizations / Q000191:economics*; D006295:Health Resources / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D006760:Hospitalization; D010561:Personnel Staffing and Scheduling; D012106:Research