Guide to the assessment of Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) feasibility

Both the HMO system and the means for assessing the sociopolitical structure into which it would be introduced are examined closely, since an HMO is supported through voluntary membership. A general discussion of alternative forms of health insurance (e.g., idemnity and social security programs and national programs underwritten by the government) and their financing mechnanisms includes detailed analysis of HMO models to illustrate the hospital/physician/HMO relationship. The process of feasiblity assessment (i.e., a preliminary assessment followed by a full study) is detailed, and topics to be considered in analyzing the existing health care system and the climate for a new organization of health care are noted. The legal/regulatory, health services delivery, marketing, financial, and organizational/management foci of the feasiblity study are outlined. A plan of action for conducting the feasibility study concludes the report.