Epilepsy in a managed care organization.

Lovelace Healthcare Systems in Albuquerque, New Mexico has developed a comprehensive approach to managing the care of seizure disorder patients through a larger project called Episodes of Care (EOC). The Seizure Disorder EOC was created to design tools and initiatives to make that care more efficient, more appropriate, and more effective by integrating primary care, specialty care, and all other aspects of a seizure disorder patient's management. Creation and methods of the EOC project are discussed, as well as implementation issues and clinical outcome and process indicators. Advice for other organizations planning similar disease management programs is outlined.