1

                                                                     EXHIBIT 23


               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8 number 333-21713) and related Prospectus pertaining to the 1996 Stock Option
Plan for Officers and Key Employees and the related Prospectus pertaining to the
1996 Non-Officer Directors Stock Option Plan of PacifiCare Health Systems, Inc.
and in the Registration Statement (Form S-8 number 333-48377) and related
Prospectus pertaining to the 1997 Premium Priced Stock Option Plan and the
related Prospectus pertaining to the Amendment and Restatement of the PacifiCare
Health Systems, Inc. Savings and Profit-Sharing Plan of PacifiCare Health
Systems, Inc. of our report dated January 31, 2001 (except for Note 12, as to
which the date is March 8, 2001) with respect to the consolidated financial
statements and schedule of PacifiCare Health Systems, Inc. included in the
Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2000.


                                                        ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Irvine, California
March 19, 2001