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The Management Report is our organization's bi-annual publication that focuses on the most critical business issues of the day affecting the healthcare industry. This publication is sent to nearly 2,000 Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plan executives and senior staff members. For more than eight years, we have been providing this service free of charge, as a way to thank the leaders in the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans.
The following describes each Management Report published in the past five years. We have included a complete reprint of the cover story from issues published in the past two years.
Winter, 2008
Healthcare in America:
A Portrait of Change
This issue highlighted America’s unique, constantly evolving cultural and demographic landscape and how it affects the delivery and financing of healthcare in this country. It examined baby boomers and how their aging and specific needs are shaping long-term care. It also looked at several other changes and pressures affecting cost and delivery of healthcare in the U.S., including immigration, the increasing number of physicians in medical specialties, our eating habits, medical tourism, the explosion of children’s sports and attendant sport injuries, and our costly battle against drug abuse involving both illegal and prescription drugs. Three well-respected thought leaders in the healthcare field contributed to this issue’s Commentary section. |
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To review the complete cover story, click here |
Spring, 2007
Shifting Trends: New Issues, Challenges and Solutions
Are Reshaping Healthcare in 2007
This issue focused on “Shifting Trends” in healthcare during 2007 that have the potential to make lasting marks in this country’s financing and delivery systems. The political climate, both nationally and on a state level, is increasingly characterized by debates on universal healthcare, while medical research and breakthroughs, changes in the pharmaceutical industry, creative approaches in medical delivery sites and a changing population are contributing to what could amount to massive changes in America’s healthcare system. Five leaders from government and national organizations contributed to this issue’s Commentary section. |
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To review the complete cover story, click here |
Fall, 2006
“America’s Healthcare | A Bigger Perspective”
This issue looked at healthcare spanning the globe, giving readers a snapshot of the status of America’s system and how it compares to numerous countries around the world. Included are articles dealing with quality of care, healthcare costs, the potential for healthcare reform in the U.S. and other countries, Americans’ health compared to the health status of other countries, a critical look at our drug industry, and a summary of how our nation’s medical malpractice approach compares to those in other countries. Our Commentary features a guest writer, Dr. Melinda Wharton, from the Centers for Disease Control, providing an overview of the global concern of pandemics. |
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To review the complete cover story, click here |
Spring, 2006
"Looking In On Our Children’s Future"
This issue covered a wide range of issues pertaining to the health, education and status of America’s children. Included are articles on the ever-changing lifestyles of our children and the role of technology in their lives today, the expanding responsibilities taken on by our schools, the good news and bad news regarding children’s health and an update on health insurance coverage for young Americans. This issue’s Commentary, by Dr. Eileen Ouellette, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, stresses the medical community’s ongoing commitment to America’s children. |
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To review the complete cover story, click here |
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THE MANAGEMENT REPORT ARCHIVES: 1998-2005
For information on obtaining a copy of any issue or reprints from past issues of The Management Report, please contact Theresa O'Shea at toshea@bcsigroup.com. |
Fall, 2005
"Managing Corporate Benefits: Can Employers Weather the Storm?"
This issue delved into the dilemmas employers are facing today regarding how to strike a balance between their role in healthcare, benefits and the uninsured while keeping an eye on the bottom line. Articles look at the current status of states and their employers assigning responsibility for healthcare, new initiatives to cover the uninsured and novel marketing approaches to offer tailor-made options.
10th Anniversary Issue
Winter, 2005
"A Decade Later: How Far Have We Come?"
To mark the 10th anniversary of publication for The Management Report, this issue took a look back at some of the major themes examined by the magazine over the past decade. Included are articles on changing risks, shifting benefit trends, the condition of the nation’s health and the continuing problem of the uninsured. The issue’s Commentary, by Daniel Callahan, director of international programs at The Hastings Center, presents a compelling argument for re-thinking health care reform.
Summer, 2004
"What the Future Holds: How Will Revolutionary Healthcare and Technology Change Our Lives?"
This issue took a look to the future of healthcare in America, with articles that covered anticipated changes over the next several decades in medicine, costs, the population and technology. A commentary by Major James O. Wooten, USAF, and Mary M. Wooten explored how advances in medical technology will benefit the "geri-boomer" generation.
Winter, 2004
"A Nation at Risk: Is America Putting Too Much On Its Plate?"
This issue examined the rising incidence of lifestyle-related health conditions, particularly obesity, and their impact on the nation's healthcare system. Also covered were federal and Plan initiatives to address the problem. The issue's Commentary was provided by Kelly Brownell, PhD, professor and chair of psychology at Yale University, and head of the Yale Center for Eating and Weight Disorders.
Summer, 2003
"Benefits: Employers Search for New Ideas"
New benefit models are examined in this issue of The Management Report, with an emphasis on new consumer-directed health (CDH) plans, which are slowly gaining favor with employers and being offered through several Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans. The issue also looked at new coverage approaches that benefit part-time and hourly workers.
Winter, 2003
"Malpractice: Can the System Support the Heavy Cost of Coverage?"
This most recent issue of The Management Report examined the medical malpractice insurance crisis and its impact on the healthcare system. The effect on physicians, patients and health plans was discussed, as well as the calls for tort reform. In addition, the perspectives of trial lawyers and consumer advocates were presented.
Summer, 2002
"Ethics: Has American Business Lost Its Way?"
This issue focused on the topic of ethics and trust in American business, taking a hard look at what the current erosion of trust means for business, the healthcare industry and ultimately the Plans. It also included an overview of what public opinion surveys are saying about trust in America today.
Winter, 2002
"Health Care Costs: Who's Pushing the Buttons?"
This Management Report zeroed in on the topic of rising healthcare costs, and how they are affecting everyone - from business leaders, to employees, Plans, providers and all consumers. The issue took a look at some of the causes for rising costs, and specific efforts to try and curb escalating costs.
Summer, 2001
"Questioning the System: Medical Errors Threaten Patient Safety"
This publication tackled the topic of the frightening trend in medical errors. According to the 1999 report from the Institute of Medicine, as many as 44,000 to 98,000 people die in hospitals each year as the result of medical errors. The articles looked at some of the causes, the players involved and a number of the efforts being undertaken to curb medical mistakes.
Winter, 2001
"The New Face of the Medical Profession: A Diagnosis in Debate"
This issue took a look at the changing face of medical profession that is being altered by physicians views of how they are losing autonomy resulting from managed care, and lowered salaries that result from that squeeze. Long hours, no paid vacation or pension plan, a loss of respect on the part of patients and insurers - their list of complaints goes on. Will they organize and walk out? We examined how they are coping, and what health plans are doing to work with them.
Summer, 2000
"Under Attack--The Legal Assault on Managed Care"
The topic of managed care coming under legal attack is covered in this issue of The Management Report. It includes an overview of recent suits against health plans, the role of the government and its actions, what the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services recommends as a model compliance program, a look at the costs of the legal verdicts and who is paying and an interview with a legal firm that is involved in the daily matters of such suits.
Winter, 2000
"Behavioral Health Comes Into Focus--Employers Face up to the Importance of Mental Health Coverage"
According to a growing body of evidence, conditions such as depression and high stress have the greatest impact on worker healthcare costs. This issue of The Management Report examined the impact of mental health on employers, employees and health plans. It included features on issues of parity legislation, employee assistance programs (EAPs) and one particularly successful Plan program for early detection of depression.
Summer, 1999
"Staying Up on Drugs--The Good and Bad News About the Growth of Pharmaceuticals"
This issue of The Management Report looked at the many aspects of the recent explosion of the pharmaceutical industry - from its impact on costs, to the implications for disease management. Stories included an examination of the debate over a Medicare drug benefit, Plans' attempt to rein in costs and controversy surrounding the FDA. The CEO Commentary for the issue was written by the president and CEO of Eli Lilly and Company, Sidney Taurel.
Special Issue, March 1999
"The Power of Captives"
A special issue of The Management Report offered a primer on captive companies. The emergence of captives in the global market was described, along with examples of current models of successful captive initiatives. Experts on captives offered advice on the responsibilities of captive owners and how best to take advantage of the services of a captive company.
Winter, 1999
"The Uninsured in America--Falling Through the Cracks"
"The problem that won't go away" was the subject of this issue of The Management Report. Demographic statistics and trends related to the uninsured population were presented, along with federal and state initiatives to address the issue. Plans' efforts such as the "Caring for Children" organizations were examined. In addition, an article looked at how the U. S. stacks up against other countries in terms of healthcare funding and access.
Summer, 1998
"The Empowered Patient--A Revolution in Health Care Consumerism"
This issue put the spotlight on healthcare consumers, and their growing awareness of the choices available to them. Patients' interest in researching healthcare on the Internet was discussed, as well as ways Plans could get "consumer-focused. " Other articles examined initiatives to collect data on providers, patient education programs, and the growing debate over legislating a "Patients' Bill of Rights."
Winter, 1998
"Taking the Temperature of HMOs--Profits Plummet and Tempers Flare in Managed Care"
The rise of HMOs was examined - along with the growing backlash against their restrictions on care. Legislative and legal trends were covered as well as new moves by HMOs to improve their product to meet consumer preferences. One article asked five experts to predict the future of HMOs.
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