1. Consider the six kinds of managed care plans mentioned earlier in the chapter (HMOs, independent practice associations, PPOs, POS plans, physician-hospital organizations, and physician management companies). Select any three of these plan formats and, in essay form, describe how they appear to be both similar to and different from each other. (A nominal amount of research in sources other than this text may be necessary.)

2. Case: 'Round and 'Round Again

The position of business office manager at Central Hospital has been a "hot seat," frequently changing incumbents. When the position was vacated last June, the four most senior employees in the department were interviewed. All were told that because they were at the top of grade and the salary structure for new supervisors "had not yet caught up with that of other jobs," the position would involve only a miniscule increase in pay. All four declined to interview for the position, but in the process all four were given the impression that they were not really considered qualified anyway. They might, however, be considered at a later date.

That same month a new manager was hired from outside, and the four senior employees were instructed to "show the new boss everything she needs to know." Over the next few months the finance director, to whom the business office reported, told the four senior employees that they had "come along very nicely" and that they would be considered candidates if the position should open up again.

Barely 8 months after being hired, the manager resigned. However, none of the four senior employees got the job; the process described previously was repeated, and again a new manager was hired from outside.

Questions

1. How are the four senior employees going to feel, having been through this frustrating process twice?

2. What are likely to be the attitudes of the business office staff toward the organization?

3. How are the four senior employees likely to regard their boss's boss, the finance director?

4. What would be your recommendation for attempting to correct (over a period of time) the damage done in the business office?