An integrated approach to managed care contracting

Managed care plans make up an increasing share of today's hospital payer mix. As a result, it is important for hospitals to negotiate the best possible managed care contract terms in order to minimize risk and maximize opportunity. This article presents a six-step "closed loop" approach to managed care contracting, showing how hospitals can integrate--through their information systems--the strategic, financial, and patient care processes that are part of the managed care cycle.