MANAGED CARE: Has An ‘Image Problem,’ Say Modesto Doc
In a letter to the editor of the Modesto Bee, Dr. C.V. Allen of the Gould Medical Group argues that managed care's unpopularity is rooted in an "image problem." He writes that HMOs have achieved "stunning success" in attracting members, lowering costs and providing care, and that the "biggest failure is getting this story out." The letter attempts to debunk what it calls public misperceptions that "more care is better," cutting costs lowers quality, HMOs have huge profits and executive incomes are "exorbitant." Allen concludes that "it is now time to stop bashing managed care and start focusing on how it can be improved to even better serve the needs of society and the patient. Recognizing the many positive contributions of HMOs is a good place to begin" (1/11).
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