This issue is about patient choice. It's important that patients not be denied the efficiency and quality associated with provider-sponsored plans. Fewer emergency visits Visits to emergency departments declined in 1994 for the first time in a decade, says the American Hospital Assn. Declines were most dramatic where managed care has made big inroads. That seems to be the message behind recent enforcement activity by the Federal Trade Commission and the Dept. of Justice.
Provider ventures that wield excessive market clout are at the mercy of federal antitrust officials.
The push has spawned lawsuits charging deceptive sales and marketing. Many states have begun to crack down, but consumer groups want tougher enforcement. Industry officials and policy experts alike agree, however, that Medicaid managed care will not work if too many regulations stifle competition. Back to top. Public Health Managing chronic care Dogged by criticisms that the drive for short-term profits is causing HMOs to ignore the chronically ill, some plans have embraced these patients and even begun studying ways to improve their care.