摘要：Managed care organizations tend to prioritize finance management over services and, as a result, have alienated providers and diminshed the service delivery system, while profiting handsomely. The managed care strategy of cost-containment is examined as it relates to quality of care, particularly in behavioral health treatment. The problems of excessive manged care profits and administrative overhead are considered in relation to a pattern of misuse of limited healthcare resources. Managed care policies and procedures that reduce healthcare to a commodity are critiqued. The essay's key points for improving healthcare, in whatever systems evolve, are to de-emphasize "commerce" and to resuscitate preferred cultural values regarding "service". Suggestions for reform are made that reflect inclusiveness from a wide range of constituents in healthcare and participatory management principles to redress the imbalance of authority that now rests with managed care organizations.
其他摘要：Managed care organizations tend to prioritize finance management over services and, as a result, have alienated providers and diminshed the service delivery system, while profiting handsomely. The managed care strategy of cost-containment is examined as it relates to quality of care, particularly in behavioral health treatment. The problems of excessive manged care profits and administrative overhead are considered in relation to a pattern of misuse of limited healthcare resources. Managed care policies and procedures that reduce healthcare to a commodity are critiqued. The essay's key points for improving healthcare, in whatever systems evolve, are to de-emphasize "commerce" and to resuscitate preferred cultural values regarding "service". Suggestions for reform are made that reflect inclusiveness from a wide range of constituents in healthcare and participatory management principles to redress the imbalance of authority that now rests with managed care organizations.
