Pay attention to women’s health, managed care told

Abstract

W omen comprise the largest and fastest growing segment of the population. They make 60-90% of healthcare decisions for themselves and their families, spend an estimated 2 out of every 3 healthcare dollars in the US, and purchase around 60% of all prescription drugs. Furthermore, as the post-war ‘baby boomers’ mature, the importance of women as healthcare consumers will continue to grow. The need for managed care to recognise and satisfy the needs of this growing market was discussed at the third annual Disease Management Congress [ Pasadena, California, US; February 1999 ].