400 words

There are many websites that discuss how to negotiate a good managed care contract.  When negotiating the fee schedule, how do physician offices/hospitals know if they will obtain a good financial outcome (reimbursement) when they enter into negotiations for a managed care contract?  What data do they need to investigate and have ready as they enter into these negotiations. Consider any data elements that would come into play with regard to setting and negotiating per diem rates, bundled rates, billed charges, carve out diagnoses or procedures, etc.  

Remember to support your initial response with at least two additional outside sources (other than your textbook and provided readings). Your response posts should contain at least one additional outside resource