title: The economics of infertility: developing an infertility managed-care plan.
abstract: Infertility is a natural disorder for developing a managed-care plan. Infertility has a clearly defined end point. The treatment regimens and protocols used for treating infertile couples have predictable outcomes; it is possible to develop rational treatment plans over a limited period of time. It is not unreasonable for infertile couples to share the cost of treatment and for the physician-providers to share the economic risk by providing a bundle of optimal services at a fixed price. We present the theoretic basis for an infertility managed-care plan and the requirements for developing a plan that can be sold in the marketplace. Finally, we discuss some of the consequences of an infertility managed-care plan on physician relationships, physician manpower, research, and education.
authors.affiliation: Bates Consulting Company, Inc, Greenville, SC 29607, USA.
authors.forename: G W
authors.initials: GW
authors.lastname: Bates
authors.forename: S R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Bates
mesh_terms: D002985:Clinical Protocols; D003363:Cost Control; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D005260:Female; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility / Q000191:economics* / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008329:Managed Care Programs