InterStudy's PPO Database, Directory & Performance Report is now Available

Method Breaks New Ground in PPO Measurement

For Immediate Release

Contact:   Jason Brenden (jbrenden@interstudypublications.com) or Peter York (pyork@interstudypublications.com)
InterStudy Publications

www.interstudypublications.com
800-844-3351 or 651-645-3377

MINNEAPOLIS, MN- InterStudy Publications has just released its new PPO Directory and Performance Report. For the first time, InterStudy has company listings and analysis available that span the entire managed care market place. In the report and accompanying database, InterStudy proposes a new system of PPO measurement that recognizes the shortcomings of using only the number of covered lives to represent a PPO's size. Covered lives estimates are supplemented with extensive data regarding PPO employer contract size, the location and size of provider networks, and financial measures.

Edition 1.0 of this report, which is currently available for delivery, contains information on more than 1,050 PPOs which report covered lives in excess of 133 million. This very large number of PPO covered lives for the nation reflects the need to measure PPO market influence with InterStudy's new and innovative method. "Analysts have struggled with the difficult challenge of how to measure PPOs for some time," says InterStudy Director Richard Hamer. "This method finally gives managed care professionals the tool they need to determine PPO market influence."

PPOs can be measured according to the quality of care or services they offer, as well as in regard to their size and market influence. In order to get an accurate picture of PPO market influence and size, the location and size of their physician network, number and size of employer contracts, financial measures like total revenue, total dollar value of claims processed, and total dollar value of discounts must also be included in the size matrix. Without these other measures, factors like double coverage, wrap-around networks, and fluctuating dependent multipliers, make it virtually impossible to make sense of PPO covered lives reports or compare these to HMO enrollments.

InterStudy's PPO Database includes a worksheet in which an index of state market influence is calculated for each PPO that is active in the state. This index is based on six factors which impact market influence: 2 measures of provider network size, number of employer contracts, number of covered lives, size of dependent multiplying factor, and number of claims processed.

The InterStudy PPO Directory & Performance Report 1.0 is produced by InterStudy Publications, a firm specializing in research and reports for market driven health care. The database is available from InterStudy for $4000 (prepaid). A free copy of The InterStudy PPO Directory and Performance Report 1.0 is provided with each database purchase. Individual prepaid copies of the report are available for $550. The publication and database will be updated annually and will include information regarding all PPOs in the country. If you have any questions or would like to place an order, please call 800-844-3351, or visit InterStudy's web site at www.interstudypublications.com.
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