Final answer:
HMOs can be detrimental to patients by causing higher out-of-pocket expenses, denial of coverage for pre-existing conditions, and longer waiting times for appointments.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of health maintenance organizations (HMOs), while they may decrease the prestige of physicians, they can also have negative effects on patients. Patients enrolled in HMOs may experience higher out-of-pocket expenses, as they may be required to pay for certain services that are not covered by their plan. Additionally, patients may be denied coverage for pre-existing conditions, which can be detrimental to their ability to access necessary medical care. Lastly, patients in HMOs may face longer waiting times for appointments due to the limited resources and higher patient volumes that these organizations typically handle.