Medical Ethics – Managed Care

MANAGED CARE

Real World Resource Allocation – The Concept of “Good Enough” Psychotherapy
Principles can be established within a managed care plan to assist clinicians in managing resources. The concept of “good enough psychotherapy” is illustrated as a principle by which resources in a managed mental health program can be allocated in an ethically justifiable manner.

Can Ethics Committees Work in Managed Care Plans
The evolution of healthcare financing and delivery has created many ethical challenges. The history of ethics committees in managed care organizations is a short one. The author describes the formation of a committee and includes information on its composition and role within the organization.

Physicians and Managed Care: Employees or Professionals?
There are features of managed care that best promote patient welfare and those that do not. The managed care organization (MCO) that results is the highest quality of patient care allows the physician control over clinical practice and minimizes incentives to withhold care. The nonprofit group practice HMO structure holds the greatest potential for promoting both physician autonomy and benign financial incentives.

Personal Privacy and Confidentiality in an Electronic Environment
Information systems and technology are essential components in an efficient managed care organization. The question arises: Is it possible to develop an electronic system that is secure, that is, protects patient privacy and confidentiality. This question can be answered affirmatively if a proactive agenda based on sound ethical principles is developed and implemented.

Case Study – Ophelia
This case study explores conflicting values in the placement of a violent teenager with a mental disability.