Preferred provider organizations one year later.

One year ago we conducted the first comprehensive national survey of preferred provider organizations (PPOs). Results of this study demonstrated that, contrary to popular belief, there did indeed exist a "generic" PPO with clearly defined characteristics. Furthermore, we found that this new form of health delivery organization was rapidly expanding. A new national survey, completed in September 1986, shows continued brisk growth in the number of persons eligible to use PPO services. Utilization review programs have become more stringent and increasingly focus on physician practice patterns. One striking finding is that joint ventures between provider-sponsored PPOs and commercial insurers are multiplying.