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Physicians contracting with managed care, Medicare, and Medicaid
1Centers for Mental Healthcare Research, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock 72205, USA.
Health Marketing Quarterly
|December 9, 1995
Summary
Physician contracting decisions are influenced by market conditions, specialty, and demographics. These factors similarly affect participation in managed care, Medicare, and Medicaid, despite differing financial incentives.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Physician Behavior
- Healthcare Policy
Background:
- Managed care is a significant healthcare delivery model.
- Limited understanding exists regarding provider characteristics in managed care contracting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify factors influencing physician decisions to contract with managed care organizations.
- To compare these factors with those affecting participation in Medicare and Medicaid.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from a national survey of 4,729 physicians.
- Statistical examination of the relationship between provider characteristics and contracting decisions.
Main Results:
- Market conditions, physician specialty, and sociodemographic factors significantly impact managed care contracting.
- Similar factors influence physician participation in Medicare and Medicaid programs.
- Physicians appear to perceive managed care, Medicare, and Medicaid similarly for contracting purposes.
Conclusions:
- Physician contracting behavior is shaped by market dynamics, specialty, and personal characteristics.
- The decision-making process for managed care, Medicare, and Medicaid participation shows notable similarities.
- Despite disparate financial incentives, physicians group these insurance programs when making network participation choices.