The number one force driving most health maintenance organizations in the market today is profit, not quality. That"s why HMOs are expanding as rapidly as they can. That"s why multimillion dollar mergers are grabbing headlines. And that"s why it"s absolutely critical that consumers begin demanding superior quality from their HMOs. Ellyn Spragins had produced the first no-nonsense guide to selecting and using an HMO in this rapidly changing and confusing environment. This book cuts through HMO marketing hype, giving you the tools professionals use to choose the best health plans. You will learn how to profile your family"s health needs and match them to a health plan"s strengths. You"ll discover how to pick the best doctor, when to go outside a network, and how to get a consultation with a specialist. You"ll save time, money, and a lot of aggravation. Choosing and Using an HMO describes the concrete steps you should take to get the highest quality care. Packed with resources and lists of HMOs to seek out - or to avoid - this easy-to-use book demystifies the increasingly complex world of health care.