Enhanced managed care opportunities of group practices. Attention to four key factors can improve a practice's contracting position.

As managed care penetration increases throughout the nation, group practices should evaluate their business composition and practices to make the most of the managed care arrangements into which they enter. By evaluating their practice in terms of its structure, organizational maturity, information collection capabilities, and financial position, a group practice will be able to make changes that will enhance its market position and improve its negotiating leverage.