This is the most comprehensive and widely-used textbook on managed care. The Fifth Edition of this authoritative text provides practical knowledge and advice to help you master the complexities of managed care today. With learning objectives for each chapter, a glossary of terms and common acronyms, study questions, tables and charts, and the expert guidance of Peter R. Kongstvedt, Essentials of Managed Health Care is a perfect introduction to the key concepts of managed care. This revision includes updates to all chapters, as well as new sections on the most relevant topics in managed care today, such as pay for performance, consumer-directed healthcare plans, payor/provider collaboration, and electronic enablement of clinical activities supported by health plans. The chapter on Medicare has been completely revised to reflect the recent Medicare Prescription Drug Act.