Ten strategies for creating successful managed care relationships

Among the many customers providers serve are managed care organizations. The strategic relationships providers develop with these payers greatly influence the long-term success of both organizations. Providers can implement 10 strategies to improve their managed care relationships: focusing on contracting with selected managed care organizations, fostering positive relationships, coordinating contract participation, establishing communication links, educating providers about managed care, providing high-quality customer service; understanding operating costs, demonstrating value, maintaining flexibility, and pursuing alternative competitive relationships with caution. At the same time, managed care organizations can implement the same strategies to develop win/win relationships with providers.