HMO=Health Maintenance Organization

Also known as an organization which exists solely to put roadblocks between patients and medical care.

Example? One of my co-workers has been on pain meds for years for a knee problem, which has gotten to the point he needs surgery. He has a med record as thick as a phone book, most of which centers on his knees.

HOWEVER............

Before he gets approval for the surgery, he has to go through a month of physical therapy, then get re-examined to see if he REALLY needs the surgery.