The advertising pitch comes in the day's mail. American Medical News reports that the largest of these firms in Healthcare Networks of America. Healthcare Networks gives physicians 72 hours to sign. Others such as Health design Inc. give 30 days for a decision. These firms can employ fear tactics to raise capitol from physicians.
Some firms do offer physicians vendor discounts on items such as x-ray film.
The discounts may often be missing from the original recruitment letter. Chic Older, EVP of the Arizona Medical Association told AMNews. Physicians should remember that any managed care group they are part of does not in and of itself prevent an employer from signing another agreement for services with a competing group of physicians. Physicians are also advised to determine whether the managed care firm seems primarily interested in credentials or a check. Physicians are invited to send thoughts on their contacts with out of state managed care firms so they can be shared with other members.