<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from PacifiCare
Health Systems, Inc.'s condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30,
2000 and related consolidated statements of operations for the nine months ended
September 30, 2000 and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such
financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-2000
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-2000
<PERIOD-END> SEP-30-2000
<CASH> 489,418
<SECURITIES> 925,725
<RECEIVABLES> 411,867
<ALLOWANCES> 20,014
<INVENTORY> 0
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 2,001,233
<PP&E> 366,405
<DEPRECIATION> 155,188
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 4,624,190
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 1,629,702
<BONDS> 0
0
0
<COMMON> 469
<OTHER-SE> 1,993,545
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 4,624,190
<SALES> 0
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 8,524,767
<CGS> 0
<TOTAL-COSTS> 7,316,339
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 955,720
<LOSS-PROVISION> 4,732
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 59,684
<INCOME-PRETAX> 266,630
<INCOME-TAX> 117,584
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 149,046
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 149,046
<EPS-BASIC> 4.21
<EPS-DILUTED> 4.18
</TABLE>