Quality and accountability: Childrens emergency services in a managed careenvironment

The fast pace of change in the health care system has sparked growing inter est among purchasers, consumers, providers, health plans, and others in eva luating and improving the quality of health services. The Emergency Medical Services for Children Program's Managed Care Task Force recommended the de velopment of a white paper to focus on issues related to quality and accoun tability in children's emergency medical services in a managed care environ ment. A literature review was conducted, and a panel reviewed and discussed relevant materials. The panelists then developed recommendations as a reso urce for managed care organizations, providers of care, professional associ ations, and federal, state, and local policymakers.