ABSTRACT
This study is the first empirical test of the strategic importance of member autonomy and open access in a managed care environment. The model utilized in this study assesses the relative importance of autonomy in selecting specialists (open access), service convenience, value/pricing, and HMO resources on member satisfaction with care and intentions to remain with the HMO.
Subject(s)
Health Maintenance Organizations/statistics & numerical data , Health Services Accessibility/organization & administration , Patient Satisfaction/statistics & numerical data , Fees and Charges , Freedom , Health Care Surveys , Health Maintenance Organizations/standards , Humans , Interviews as Topic , Models, Statistical , Patient Participation , Sampling Studies , United StatesABSTRACT
In a retrospective study, a high incidence of otitis media and chronic middle ear effusion was recognized in pediatric patients with allergies, in particular, asthma. Five hundred and nineteen cases were examined to see if significant correlations could be made between asthma and 1) the development of otitis media, 2) the placement of multiple tubes, and 3) the incidence of mucoid otitis media, or "glue ear." The results of this preliminary report indicate that otitis media in the asthmatic patient seems to be a reflection of a disease affecting the entire mucociliary system in the respiratory tract and that this information should be used when making a prognosis for an asthmatic patient.
