Impact of managed care on oncology.
OBJECTIVE
To review the general principles of managed care, including purpose, concept of risk, insurance mechanisms, and types of reimbursement.


METHODS
Textbooks and journal articles.


CONCLUSIONS
At times, managed health care may restrict the options available to the consumer and the provider of care and can lead to ethical and legal issues.


CONCLUSIONS
Practitioners caring for cancer patients must continue to monitor and participate in outcomes research to clarify the impact of managed care on cancer treatment.
Valadez
Ana M
AM
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, School of Nursing, 3601 4th St, STOP 6264, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA.
Sportsman
Susan
S
D006801:Humans; D008329:Managed Care Programs / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000639:trends*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing*; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000639:trends*; D012051:Reimbursement Mechanisms / Q000639:trends*