What characterizes a 'managed care' system?

A 'managed care' system is characterized by a delivery model that effectively manages cost, utilization, and quality of healthcare services. This approach aims to control healthcare expenses while ensuring that patients receive appropriate and high-quality medical care. Managed care organizations often implement various strategies such as pre-authorization for certain treatments, network limits on providers, and coordinated care pathways to optimize patient outcomes and minimize unnecessary services.

The focus on managing costs ensures that the system is sustainable and affordable for both providers and patients. Utilization management helps ensure that resources are used efficiently, promoting preventive care and reducing the incidence of high-cost emergency interventions. Finally, ongoing quality assessments are integral to managed care, ensuring that patient care meets established standards and enhances overall health outcomes.

In contrast, the other options do not capture the central tenet of managed care. While patient satisfaction is important in any healthcare system, it is not the defining characteristic of managed care. An emphasis on specialty care services alone does not reflect the comprehensive nature of managed care, which includes primary care coordination as well. Similarly, a managed care system is not limited to emergency care; it encompasses a wide range of health services and preventive care to maintain and improve patient health overall.