The impact of managed care on clinical research: a preliminary investigation

Abstract

Rapid growth in managed care enrollment is likely to affect clinical research at the nation's academic medical centers (AMCs). Our site visit interviews indicate that managed care has not markedly reduced coverage for research-related care. However, market competition in some areas has limited AMCs' ability to subsidize research activities with clinical revenues. As they gain market share, managed care organizations will have a growing influence on research priorities. Therefore, it is important for the academic community to work with managed care leaders to identify areas for collaboration and an agenda for moving forward in the future.