This is an introduction to the basics of managed care, medical costs, and health care reform. It is intended for medical and nursing students, residents, physicians - anyone who has chosen a career in the health professions. The book discusses the different types of managed care organizations (MCOs). It outlines health care delivery systems in Canada and Great Britain, and reviews current health care proposals in the USA. It also: looks at health insurance, from the … mehrpatients' perspective; lists retail harmaceutical prices; includes tables of hospital, diagnostic and laboratory costs; sharpens problem-solving skills with actual patient cases; plus board review questions. weniger