An Empty Toolbox? Changes in Health Plans' Approaches for Managing Costs and Care.

Examines how health plans have changed approaches for managing costs and utilization in the wake of the recent backlash against managed care. Notes that they have begun to scale back or abandon tools such as selective contracting and risk contracting in most communities. They have also shifted costs to consumers and experimented with new provider networks, payment systems, and referral practices. While these changes promise to lighten administrative and financial loads for physicians and hospitals, they may also increase consumers' financial burden.