A significant theme in data envelopment analysis (DEA) is the stability of returns to scale (RTS) classification of specific decision making unit (DMU) which is under observed production possibility set. In this study the observed DMUs are public postal operators (PPOs) in European Union member states and Serbia as a candidate country. We demonstrated a sensitivity analysis of the inefficient P...

As preferred provider organizations (PPOs) become the dominant model of managed health care in the private sector, policymakers have increasingly viewed PPOs as an attractive option for Medicare. In part to understand how PPOs might operate under the Medicare Program, CMS launched the Medicare PPO demonstration in January 2003. In this article, we examine how PPOs have operated so far under the...

We give an introduction to nonlinear multiobjective optimization by covering some basic concepts as well as outlines of some methods. Because Pareto optimal solutions cannot be ordered completely, we need extra preference information coming from a decision maker to be able to select the most preferred solution for a problem involving multiple conflicting objectives. Multiobjective optimization ...

OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of inequalities in income within a state on self rated health status while controlling for individual characteristics such as socioeconomic status. DESIGN Cross sectional multilevel study. Data were collected on income distribution in each of the 50 states in the United States. The Gini coefficient was used to measure statewide inequalities in income. Random ...

Key Data Findings. (1) From March 2012 to March 2013, rural enrollment in Medicare Advantage (MA) and other prepaid plans increased by over 200,000 enrollees, to more than 1.9 million. (2) Preferred provider organization (PPO) plan enrollment increased to nearly one million enrollees, accounting for more than 51% of the rural MA market (up from 48% in March 2012). (3) Health maintenance organiz...

NHS Blackburn with Darwen Provider Services Unit has adopted an innovative team approach to improve patient access to its community matron service. This article reviews the national picture and local development of the community matrons role.