Some implications of managed care for physician assistants.
The American health industry is now focusing on managed care, capitated payment, and the formation of regional networks. As a result, additional cost constraints in the delivery of our nation's health services should be expected. Such proposals are also anticipated to have a major impact on PAs: (a) there will be an increased demand for qualified PAs to provide primary care services; (b) PAs will be better positioned for advancement than other health professionals despite industry-wide cost-containment efforts; and (c) most PAs can expect to practice in less "user-friendly" environments, irrespective of the implementation of the procompetitive concept of managed care or more regulatory global budgetary targets.
Weil
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Bedford Health Associates, Inc., Asheville, NC.
Miller
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D003363:Cost Control / Q000379:methods; D005544:Forecasting; D008329:Managed Care Programs / Q000191:economics / Q000639:trends; D010823:Physician Assistants / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000600:supply & distribution; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000191:economics / Q000639:trends; D014481:United States; D000078329:Workforce