Department of Defense Instruction of Medical Management Programs Analysis
Abstract
The purpose of this policy analysis is to evaluate the federal policy development process. This analysis employs the Bardach eight-step path to evaluate Military Health System (MHS) policy. The MHS is currently developing medical management (MM) program policy for use within the Direct Care System (DCS). Under the next generation of TRICARE contracts, a MM program will become essential in order to optimize the effectiveness and efficiency of the entire MHS. The new contracts will require diligent management of contractual shifts in responsibility and resource linking efforts under revised financing protocols. An exhaustive literature review supplements the policy evaluation with industry best practices, federal trends, and other evidence which suggests a preferred policy direction. Three policy alternatives were examined: a) status quo; b) revert to the previous contractual arrangement; and c) incorporate a DCS MM program. Each alternative is evaluated and judged on the following criteria: a) level of population health; b) securing financial viability; and c) political feasibility. The outcomes of this evaluation demonstrate that-the preferred policy alternative is incorporating a DCS MM program slightly over reverting back to the- previous- contractual arrangement. Although a DCS MM program is the preferred policy alternative, evidence exists which suggest a comprehensive education program must accompany such a change to realize the full benefit. This analysis proposes existing education programs within the MHS that may provide the comprehensive education necessary to support a MM program. Future policy analysis should explore the feasibility of these programs and others to provide the education necessary to support the DCS MM program.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 08, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA443941
Entities
People
- Joseph P. Edger