title: Open referral system improves access, but at a cost.
abstract: Managed Medicaid plans constantly strive to improve access to care while holding the line on costs. Finding a delicate balance between the two is difficult, at best. Mechanisms that improve access for members almost always increase costs, while cost control efforts invariably result in provider dissatisfaction or termination from the plan.
mesh_terms: D002140:California; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D008329:Managed Care Programs / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008484:Medicaid / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009937:Organizational Objectives; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012051:Reimbursement Mechanisms; D013221:State Health Plans; D014481:United States; D014600:Utilization Review