Managed care in Eastern Europe: an opportunity for U.S. firms

Health care in Eastern Europe is in transition; the former state-run health systems are in shambles. This article describes elements of these systems, discusses transition problems, such as corruption, and suggests areas in which American firms can prosper. Problems with capital development and red tape will need to be overcome. However, the quality of physician training is high, and many doctors are eager to work with American institutions to emulate their standards of care. Their need for training in Western management techniques is quite apparent. The author suggests that managed care organizations can be established rapidly if local partners are included in their development.