Biomedical subjects

M Stauffer

Publications and source records attributed to M Stauffer.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2003

State selective charge transfer cross sections for Na+ with excited rubidium: a unique diagnostic of the population dynamics of a magneto-optical trap.

It is shown how the newly developed technique of magneto-optical-trap recoil-ion momentum spectroscopy can be used to measure the temporal evolution of excited state fraction in such a trap. In this case, the fraction of atoms in a 5p state is measured. The technique can be generalized to allow the measurement of more complicated systems, e.g., a Rb sample having a mixture of 5s, 5p, 4d, and Rydberg states.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2000

Finance issue brief: bans on financial incentives.

Following efforts to ban the use of gag clauses, state lawmakers now are turning their attention to prohibiting managed care plans from using financial incentives. Twenty-seven states have enacted laws banning the use of such incentives.

Humans↗

PubMed2000

Finance, providers issue brief: HMO medical directors.

Medical directors of managed care organizations have the ultimate responsibility of deciding the treatments for which a health plan will pay. Cognizant of consumer concerns over the power inherent in the position, states are seeking to inject more accountability into the decision-making process. Among the issues with which they have begun to grapple: whether medical directors should be required to hold a medical license from the state in which they work and, by extension, whether they should be under the jurisdiction of the state medical board.

Health Maintenance Organizations↗

PubMed2000

Finance issue brief: continuity of care.

When a health care provider disenrolls or is terminated by a managed care plan, how long can that provider's patients continue to receive covered treatment for a life-threatening condition, pregnancy, disability or other circumstance that requires continuous medical care? Lawmakers in twenty-seven states have answered that question.

Continuity of Patient Care↗

PubMed2000

Finance issue brief: freedom of choice.

Should managed care plans have the ability to limit an individual's "freedom of choice" when it comes to selecting a provider? As part of the anti-managed care movement of the early 1990s, 22 states enacted freedom of choice laws; the majority apply only to pharmacies.

Forecasting↗

PubMed2000

Finance issue brief: any willing provider.

Today, almost half the states have laws obligating managed care organizations (MCOs) such as health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and preferred provider organizations (PPOs) to contract with any willing health care provider. Although most provisions are limited to pharmacies or pharmacists, several states have adopted broad provisions applying to hospitals, physicians, chiropractors, pharmacists, podiatrists, therapists and nurses.

Contract Services↗

PubMed2000

Finance issue brief: bans on gag clauses.

Forty-eight states prohibit managed care organizations (MCOs) from limiting a provider's ability to discuss potential treatment options with patients.

Communication↗

PubMed2000

Finance, providers issue brief: insurer liability.

When a health plan denies payment for a procedure on grounds that it is not medically necessary or when it refuses a physician-ordered referral to a specialist, has it crossed the line from making an insurance judgment to practicing medicine? If the patient suffers harm as a result of the decision, is the plan liable for medical malpractice? Those were questions 35 states considered in 1999, and at least 32 states are grappling with this year as they seek to respond to physician and patient pressure to curb the power of the managed care industry. Traditionally, health insurers have been protected by state laws banning "the corporate practice of medicine," which means the patient's only recourse is to sue under a "vicarious liability" theory. Now, however, lawmakers are debating legislation to extend the scope of malpractice liability beyond individual practitioners to insurance carriers and plans themselves.

Humans↗

PubMed1999

Finance issue brief: prompt payment.

Although under standard business laws withholding prompt payment is considered an unfair trade practice, a number of states are enacting new laws or clarifying existing language to ensure that health plans are paying providers in a timely fashion.

Accounts Payable and Receivable↗

PubMed1999

Finance issue brief: consumer grievance procedures: internal and independent appeals.

State lawmakers across the country have begun to play an important role in ensuring that managed care plans establish and maintain grievance and appeals procedures that are responsive to the needs of their constituents.

Consumer Advocacy↗

PubMed1999

Finance issue brief: point of service.

A point-of-service (POS) option is a type of plan offered by managed care organizations (MCOs), including health maintenance organizations (HMOs), that allows people who are willing to pay higher out-of-pocket costs to see out-of-plan providers. Mandating a point-of-service option essentially eliminates the use of closed-panel HMOs. This issue brief addresses only bills that mandate managed care plans to offer a point-of-service option.

History, 20th Century↗

PubMed1999

Finance issue brief: emergency care.

Under what circumstances is an enrollee in a managed care plan eligible to exercise judgment as a "prudent layperson" in determining that an emergency medical condition exists? Does his or her condition justify immediate attention without prior authorization, even if it means an emergency room visit or dialing 911?

Emergency Medical Services↗

PubMed1999

Finance issue brief: comprehensive consumer rights bills.

State lawmakers are aggressively enacting legislation that--depending on the perspective--either regulates managed care or provides for consumer protections. More than half the states have adopted a "Patient Bill of Rights." These new laws address the entire range of managed care issues, including, but not limited to, provider access, bans on gag clauses, consumer grievance procedures, direct access, disclosure, provider credentialing, medical records, insurer liability, solvency, drug formularies, certification and, in some cases, a point-of-service option.

Consumer Advocacy↗

PubMed1999

Providers issue brief: provider protections.

While national efforts are aimed at strengthening consumer protections under managed care, a number of states are increasing efforts to improve protections for providers as well. Written notification of contract termination, ensuring the existence of a due process, and disclosure of credentialing criteria are three options states are pursuing.

Credentialing↗

PubMed1999

Finance issue brief: women's health: a legislative overview of selected mandates.

From pregnancy to breast cancer screening and osteoporosis prevention, women have a need for a gender-specific set of health services. Dialogue that once occurred only between women and their physicians has evolved into debate between representatives from the insurance industry and state legislators. Therefore, women's health issues have risen on the legislative agenda, illustrated by the increased volume of bills introduced and enacted during the past five years.

Female↗

PubMed1999