ambulatory care vs. managed care

[roshe]

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I was hoping if anyone could explain ambulatory care and managed care for me. What are the differences and similarities?

 

[Rouelle]

Classic examples of ambulatory care include warfarin or diabetes clinics (or others) in which a patient comes in for an office visit. They have their INR or blood glucose tested, and adjustments to medications are made if needed. It is quite similar to an office visit to a physician, only with a more narrow scope. It is very clinical and involves direct patient interaction.

Managed care pharmacy typically involves working for an insurance company and reviewing formularies, prior authorization requests, etc. The goals are to control the cost of health care while, in theory, promoting public health. It doesn't typically involve direct patient interaction.

These 2 practice types would be pretty much at the opposite ends of the pharmacy spectrum, IMO.