Principles of Managed Care: A Position Paper From the American College of Physicians

Most U.S. health plans use managed care strategies, including health care use management and clinician networks. Most Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurance enrollees are covered by managed care plans. Managed care is ostensibly used to steer patients toward high-quality clinicians and facilities and contain costs; however, prior authorization, narrow clinician networks, and other managed care strategies often restrict access to necessary care, causing frustration among patients and physicians. In this position paper, the American College of Physicians offers policy recommendations to protect patients from onerous managed care processes, reduce administrative burdens associated with managed care, and ensure that patients can promptly access high-value, medically necessary care.