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Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR
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<SEC-DOCUMENT>0001249013-04-000149.txt : 20041117
<SEC-HEADER>0001249013-04-000149.hdr.sgml : 20041117
<ACCEPTANCE-DATETIME>20041117205355
ACCESSION NUMBER:		0001249013-04-000149
CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE:	4
PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT:		1
CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT:	20041115
FILED AS OF DATE:		20041117
DATE AS OF CHANGE:		20041117

ISSUER:		

	COMPANY DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			PACIFICARE HEALTH SYSTEMS INC /DE/
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0001027974
		STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:	HOSPITAL & MEDICAL SERVICE PLANS [6324]
		IRS NUMBER:				954591529
		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			DE
		FISCAL YEAR END:			1231

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		5995 PLAZA DRIVE
		CITY:			CYPRESS
		STATE:			CA
		ZIP:			90630-5028
		BUSINESS PHONE:		714-952-1121

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		5995 PLAZA DRIVE
		CITY:			CYPRESS
		STATE:			CA
		ZIP:			90630-5028

	FORMER COMPANY:	
		FORMER CONFORMED NAME:	N T HOLDINGS INC
		DATE OF NAME CHANGE:	19961204

REPORTING-OWNER:	

	OWNER DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			REED DAVID A
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0000082709

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		4
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	001-31700
		FILM NUMBER:		041153557

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		BUSINESS PHONE:		9494964259

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		30931 VIA ULTIMO
		CITY:			SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
		STATE:			CA
		ZIP:			92675
</SEC-HEADER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>4
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>edgardoc.xml
<DESCRIPTION>PRIMARY DOCUMENT
<TEXT>
<XML>
<?xml version="1.0"?>
<ownershipDocument>

    <schemaVersion>X0202</schemaVersion>

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            <rptOwnerState>CA</rptOwnerState>
            <rptOwnerZipCode>90630</rptOwnerZipCode>
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    <footnotes>
        <footnote id="F1">Exercise of stock option granted under the Amended and Restated 1996 Non-Officer Directors Stock Plan of PacifiCare Health Systems, Inc. in a transaction exempt under Rule 16b-3.</footnote>
    </footnotes>

    <ownerSignature>
        <signatureName>David A Reed</signatureName>
        <signatureDate>2004-11-16</signatureDate>
    </ownerSignature>
</ownershipDocument>

</XML>
</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
</SEC-DOCUMENT>
-----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----