Autos, tires, aluminum, oil--and cost containment.

Faced with massive increases in the costs of the health care benefits they provide for their employees, many large U.S. corporations are becoming increasingly involved in efforts to contain health care costs. Often seeing their efforts as posing an alternative to direct federal government intervention, business leaders are implementing a wide range of programs, including specific arrangements with providers, education of hospital trustees who are also employees, and fitness and preventive medicine programs.

Putting it all together.

Outlines an organizational concept that supports the functions and products required of HSAs. Emphasizes the separation of functions with "controlled stresses" designed to produce interdependence of staff sections. Points out the need for tangible products as a basis for tracking staff performance.

Nurses as health planners.

Nursing leaders have the knowledge and responsibility to serve on the boards of health planning agencies. This article provides suggestions and strategies for developing your role as an active and articulate member of a health systems agency.

Pharmacy and health planning: a national survey of health planners.

The extent of pharmacy involvement in area health planning, and the perception of health planners on pharmacy and drug-related issues, were assessed. Health Systems Agencies (HSAs) (135, or 66%) and State Health Planning and Development Agencies (SHPDAs) (25, or 45%) responded to a 34-item mail questionnaire on pharmacy planning issues. Pharmacists were involved in developing health plans in 39% of the HSAs and 18% of the SHPDAs. Pharmaceutical services were mentioned in 50% of the local and 58% of the state plans. Thirty-two percent of the HSAs and 42% of the SHPDAs believed there was a poor distribution of pharmacies in health service areas. The respondents also answered questions on the need for pharmaceutical services in given areas and among special populations, drug reimbursement procedures, and the kinds of data health planners need when planning pharmaceutical services. Numerous respondents noted that increased participation by pharmacy groups in health planning would be desirable and welcomed.