THE MYTHS OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL-CARE ACCESS IN THE MANAGED CARE ERA

In this paper, we examine the perception that emergency care is unusua lly expensive, We discuss the myths that have fueled the ineffective a nd sometimes deleterious efforts to limit access to emergency care, We demonstrate the reasons why these efforts are seriously flawed and pr opose alternate strategies that aim to improve outcomes, including coo perative ventures between hospitals and managed care organizations, We challenge managed care organizations and healthcare providers to coll aborate and lead the drive to improve the cost and clinical effectiven ess of emergency care.