Second Surgical Opinion Programs: A Review of the Literature.

摘要

Congressional interest in second surgical opinion programs (SSOPs) as one method to reduce the cost of health care dates from the mid-1970s. Legislation in 1986--the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (P.L. 99-509)--mandated a report by the Secretary of Health and Human Services on utilization review in Medicaid agencies. The report was to assess SSOPs and inpatient hospital preadmission review programs, including whether such programs impede access to care. This Note, a critical review of the literature on SSOPs, was developed as background information for the Secretary's report.