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.
Managed care organizations that value quality and recognize the importance of prevention, wellness, and early intervention can benefit greatly from nurses' expertise in a variety of roles. In turn, nurses can help guide managed care to focus on providing a full range of quality, cost-effective services.
F or some time, states have regulated managedcare organizations to ensure their financialsolvency, including their ability to cover therisk of enrollees. Over the past decade, the natureof statesâ regulation of the managed care industryhas shifted to focus on preserving quality andpatient and provider satisfaction. Asof December 31, 2000, 57 percent of Medicaidrecipients were enrolled in managed care plans. 2 Inaddition, the managed care industry has changed inmany ways. Most managed care organizations nowcontract with a broad panel of physicians, sharerisk, and compete with each other for greatermarket share.