title: Manage authorizations to manage care.
abstract: Managed care organizations rely on different ways to authorize the utilization of hospital services, physician specialty care and other referral services. Critical differences revolve around the role the primary care physician plays in the authorization process. The more tightly managed the system, the more likely will unnecessary medical costs be avoided.
authors.forename: P L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Grimaldi
mesh_terms: D003363:Cost Control; D005377:Financial Management, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008329:Managed Care Programs / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010819:Physician's Role; D014600:Utilization Review