John B. Breaux: “Back on the point, I am glad we are having this discussion on trying to narrow the differences. Back to the external…”

“Back on the point, I am glad we are having this discussion on trying to narrow the differences. Back to the external review panel, we both agree, if it goes to an external review panel for a decision of whether something is medically necessary or not, that the people making that decision on this external review panel should be independent of the HMO. But my understanding of the Senator's bill is that the HMO would enter into a contract with these independent reviewers in order to have them review the decision. My question is, Who selects with whom the HMO is going to contract? Is it that the HMO has to enter into a contract to pay the external review people, and they have to enter into a contract with somebody? Who picks the somebody?”