AAFP guide helps physicians navigate the “Contracting Jungle”

To help guide physicians through the fundamental steps of yearly contract negotiations with health plans, AAFP has developed a free 12-page contracting guide called “Managed Care Contract Negotiation” This members-only resource suggests physicians start by assessing their practices with a full unit-cost analysis to calculate the total cost of running their practice as well as noting the number of the carrier’s members treated in the practice. These data will serve as a starting point in discussions with the health plans and will also help physicians understand how contract changes can affect the bottom line.

In addition to directing proper preparation for contract negotiations, the guide contains information on how to articulate a practice’s strengths, respond to negotiation denials, decipher contract terminology, and understand the obligations of both the health plan and the physician. Finally, the guide provides a section of provisions or clauses that need special attention, which can sometimes be written ambiguously to benefit the health plan and should not go into the final contract.

For more information, go to the AAFP News Now story or access the guide directly in the spotlight section of the Private Sector Advocacy section of the AAFP Web site.