From a handout from AIMS management information system

A commonly used definition of Managed Care is:

     Actions by payors to influence the purchase and
     delivery of care 
          - with the objectives of containing or
          reducing costs
          - while maintaining established or negotiated
          quality of care standards.

The outcome orientation of managed care represents a
shift from process-focused quality assurance to measuring
quantifiable and demonstrable indicators of _what
differences_ treatment makes to consumer, payor and
provider:
     - return to work
     - subsequent use of healthcare benefits
     - relapse - recidivism