The preferred provider organization development process: models for applying a systematic approach.

Abstract

To date, the preferred provider organization (PPO) concept has received considerable attention. Current literature, however, has focused on conceptual explanations and case studies of this new alternative delivery system as opposed to the process involved in developing operational PPOs. This paper focuses on the application of analytical techniques to strengthen PPO development activities. These techniques range from network analysis for planning PPO development to system flowcharts that depict new PPO operations. Since PPOs are used as the application base for the above tools, a brief description of PPOs will be addressed prior to explaining the techniques.