How are physicians of different specialties going to have impact on medical decision making policy?
REICH: In general that has been through our peer review committees. It originated in the IPA products of the old Pilgrim and has now been expanded corporate-wide. The committees are divided by specialty and are made up of both community-based physicians as well as health center physicians. They help make policy and improve policy. The specialty society presidents are aware that these committees are available and it would not surprise me if officers from some of these specialty societies are on the peer review committees. It is not done in a formal sense but it turns out that they are the people interested in serving on these committees and they get asked to participate. How are decisions regarding physician reimbursement being processed? REICH: There is a formal Fee Committee made up of physicians from all of the parts of the network. They carefully look at each issue and point out what will happen if you move a fee. We adjust accordingly. Before the recommendation can go for approval,
