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Smoking cessation benefits in HMOs
J G Zapka1, P Merriam, J Ockene
1University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Worcester 01655, USA. jzapka@banyan.ummed.edu
HMO Practice
|February 6, 1997
Summary
Most health maintenance organizations (HMOs) offer smoking cessation services like nicotine replacement therapy and behavioral classes. However, significant variation exists in how these services are structured and accessed, highlighting a need for better monitoring systems.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Public Health Policy
Background:
- Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) play a crucial role in delivering healthcare services.
- Smoking cessation programs are an important component of preventative healthcare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey the types of smoking cessation services offered by HMOs to state employees.
- To identify variations in service availability, structure, and access conditions.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted in the Spring of 1994.
- Data collected on smoking cessation services offered by HMOs.
Main Results:
- The majority of HMOs provided nicotine replacement therapy and behavioral classes.
- No significant difference in program availability was observed based on HMO model type.
- Substantial variance was noted in service structure and benefit access criteria.
Conclusions:
- HMOs have been leaders in offering cessation benefits.
- Lack of empirical evidence on program effectiveness may contribute to service variation.
- HMOs need to develop coordinated systems and monitoring for smoking cessation services to improve effectiveness assessment and decision-making.