Book excerpt: Managed care HMOs, PPOs, POSs, & the whole alphabet of organizations that are changing the face of health care & affecting the care of millions of Americans are explained in a clear, easy-to-understand fashion from a consumer/patient perspective. This book is designed to guide the reader through the rapidly changing health delivery system known as managed care. It helps the reader choose the best plan for their needs & those of their family or, if enrolled in a plan selected by an employer, helps them use the plan well to obtain the best care. It explains the values, the incentives, the strengths & weaknesses of managed care. It explains coverages, costs & the ins & outs of "managing" managed care. Available through Independent Publishers Group.