Any-willing provider laws: point and counter point

Health care costs in the United States are placing businesses in a competitive disadvantage in the international market. Health Care is now the third highest cost category in US corporations after salaries and raw materials. Alternative Health Care delivery systems in the form of managed care have become popular mechanism to promote cost control. A critical element in most managed care programs is a limitation of freedom of choice of provider. As a result, physicians are being deliberately excluded from some managed care plans. Legislation called "Any Willing Provider Statutes" is being enacted in many areas to prohibit such actions. The authors outline the advantages and disadvantages of such legislation and discuss the economic implications for hospitals and the private practice of medicine. They also examine the impact "any willing provider" legislation will have on patient care and detail how this legislation involves who is going to control the practice of medicine in the years ahead. An examination of the American model should assist others involved with health care planning and regulating medical practice.