title: Managed care issues and rheumatoid arthritis treatment. Based on a presentation by Michael Ward, MD.
abstract: System of payment (whether managed care or fee-for-service) can impact long-term health outcomes and treatment options. Two studies focussing specifically on rheumatoid arthritis found little or no difference in outcomes for patients covered by these payment systems. However, it was found that unrestricted access to treatment from rheumatologists and the continuity of care provided by these specialists did have a strong positive influence on improving function and reducing disability overall.
mesh_terms: D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000191:economics / Q000628:therapy*; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D018450:Disease Progression; D018588:Fee-for-Service Plans / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards*; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D008329:Managed Care Programs / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards*; D008511:Medicine; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010146:Pain; D011788:Quality of Life; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D013038:Specialization; D014481:United States