Academic medical centers: A prescription for success in an era of managed care and capitation

Abstract

Academic medical centers (AMCs) have traditionally symbolized technological advancements and specialization in patient care. AMCs are defined as institutions that include at a minimum a hospital and associated clinics and a medical education role. Today, these institutions face a transition to managed care and radical changes in the financing of health care. These issues are not unique to the private sector health care industry. Military AMCs also must respond to many of the same changes. Their survival may rest on the ability to recognize that they can no longer ignore trends favoring lower costs, less specialization, and more primary care. This paper describes actions being taken at AMCs throughout the country to pursue innovative ways of providing accessible, high-quality, and affordable health care while maintaining quality training programs. Besides examining changes currently taking place within the academic medical industry, recommendations are offered for new initiatives.