Managed care and the pediatric emergency department

As an answer to the spiraling costs of health care, enrollment in managed c are organizations has expanded over the past 10 years. Today 63% of all emp loyees and their families are covered by some type of managed care plan. Th e philosophy of managed care organizations, legal responsibilities of the e mergency department, the medical needs of the patients, and the financial r esponsibilities of emergency department, and the managed care organization are all factors influencing the interaction of the children and their famil ies covered by a managed care organization in the emergency department. Thi s article explores the interactions between emergency departments, managed care organizations, and pediatric emergency care. It is aimed at helping th e pediatrician and emergency physician understand the position of the emerg ency department, and the complexities of the managed care organizations whe n dealing with children seeking emergency care.