What Parents Need To Know about Managed Care.

"Managed care" is a term used to describe health care plans in which a primary provider typically monitors all of a patient's care within a specific network of providers. It differs from the traditional fee-for-service model in that patients often are expected to pay extra if they want to see out-of-network providers. Additionally, managed care plans may have their own decision makers, who have the power to override a physician's decisions. Families of young children who are eligible for early intervention and preschool services need clear information about how to ensure that their children receive the best possible health care under managed care plans. This article addresses issues for parents to think about and questions to ask. It provides contact information on important people for parents to call for assistance, and it defines common terminology used regarding this issue. Both the strengths and weaknesses of managed care are addressed. (SG)