Private payers

Physicians and their patients sometimes feel overwhelmed by the perceived power and control exercised by the managed care industry. Although existing law may not satisfactorily protect the physician and patient in many circumstances, there are a variety of continually evolving Virginia laws that may afford some relief to physicians and their patients in their interactions with managed care plans. The Medical Society of Virginia (MSV) leads the way in advocating for patient protection in the current managed care environment and for access to health care for all Virginians and for the highest standards of quality for health care. 

Resources

National managed care contract database (ama-assn.org - Password required)

Virginia Bureau of Insurance: Office of the managed care ombudsman

Virginia’s Fair Business Practices Act (Virginia Legislative Information System)

15 questions to ask before signing a managed care contract (ama-assn.org PDF)