The purpose of this article is to provide the reader with a broad overview of managed care, including the scope and complexity of the issues facing nurses and consumers as the health care industry continues to consolidate and shift away from traditional fee-for-service financing. Managed care organizations (MCOs) and their evolving forms are reviewed; public policy issuesand their implications for nurses are identified; and responses for organized nursing are recommended. A glossary (See glossary) of terms and bibliography are provided, along with links to other Web sites of interest. The deadline for completion of this module is Dec. 1, 2000.

Objectives

1. Describe major influences in health care reform.

2. Discuss managed care and impact on health care.

3. Explain various models of managed care.

4. Summarize factors contributing to the growths of managed care.