shape up, 1  to assume a specific form: The plan is beginning to shape up. 2  to evolve or develop, especially favorably. 3  to improve one's behavior or performance to meet a required standard. 4  to get oneself into good physical condition. ( 5 of longshoremen) to get into a line or formation in order to be assigned the day's work.
The purpose of this article is to provide the reader with a broad overview of managed care, including the scope and complexity of the issues facing nurses and consumers as the health care industry continues to consolidate and shift away from traditional fee-for-service financing.
One of the advantages of managed care is that health insurance plans using this approach often negotiate lower rates for basic healthcare procedures with physicians, labs, and various types of healthcare facilities. What this means for the patient is the ability to obtain basic healthcare at a lower cost.