University catalogues and HMO co-payments: simple lessons in economic rationing.
The rise of health maintenance organizations and its preferred provider kindred has encouraged an increased use of so-called reduced fee services. HMOs have historically marketed themselves as a cost-efficient, more holistic approach to providing for health care needs than do fee-based plans (insurance). But the typical pricing structure appears to have caused unanticipated and undesirable usage patterns to appear. Similar problems are shown to exist in non-medical environments.
Budden
M C
MC
Auburn University, Montgomery, AL 36193.
Lake
R C
RC
D002204:Capitation Fee; D015276:Health Care Rationing / Q000191:economics*; D006279:Health Maintenance Organizations / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006300:Health Services Misuse / Q000191:economics; D014481:United States