title: "Gatekeeper technology." Recasting a primary care role.
abstract: The gatekeeper approach to the delivery of medical care, while not really a new concept, has a new raison d'être--cost containment. It infuses a new form of authority into the role of primary care physicians while at the same time it brings new challenges of practicing more cost-effective medicine and maintaining quality of care. Primary care physicians can take steps to meet these challenges.
mesh_terms: D003363:Cost Control / Q000379:methods*; D015276:Health Care Rationing; D010819:Physician's Role; D010821:Physicians, Family; D010934:Planning Techniques; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000592:standards*; D012380:Role; D014481:United States