title: EMS systems and managed care integration.
abstract: Emergency medical services systems and MCOs must cooperate and educate each other in order to effect delivery of reliable, high-quality emergency health care to the entire community. Shared goals are rapid access, medically appropriate care, and operational efficiency. An integrated approach is necessary in order to maintain the integrity of EMS systems. EMS systems serve as a safety net for patients with perceived emergencies. Changes in form and function should be guided by outcome studies that ensure the continued delivery of quality emergency health care services.
authors.affiliation: Accident & Emergency Department, St. George's Hospital, University of London, UK. kristik@hghed.com
authors.forename: K L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Koenig
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Salvucci
authors.forename: B S
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Zachariah
authors.forename: R E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: O'Connor
mesh_terms: D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D019033:Delivery of Health Care, Integrated / Q000592:standards*; D004631:Emergency Medical Service Communication Systems / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D007373:Interinstitutional Relations; D008329:Managed Care Programs / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D016134:Organizational Policy; D014481:United States