Terminating physicians from managed care organizations

Changes are under way regarding procedures for terminating physician contracts with managed care organizations. Recent legal and legislative developments at both the state and Federal levels have afforded physicians additional rights to hearings when managed care organizations seek their termination from the provider panel. As a result, the termination process will likely become more difficult and expensive. Managed care organizations should, therefore, monitor their states' legislative activity regarding termination requirements and reevaluate their existing termination standards in anticipation of changing standards concerning physician termination.