This text is written for the student of health services administration, and of related fields, seeking an in-depth and comprehensive introduction to the field. Taking an analytical approach, the book is divided into functional areas: a background and historical overview of the development of health services and ambulatory care in the U.S., the financial management of ambulatory care, the operational issues of running a practice, human resources management issues, planning and marketing the group and issues of policy and other institutional matters. Case studies are included to help illustrate key issues.