What is a key characteristic of managed care systems?

A key characteristic of managed care systems is their aim to integrate financing and delivery of healthcare services to improve quality. This integration is designed to create a more coordinated approach to patient care, ensuring that patients receive appropriate services while also managing costs. Managed care organizations often implement strategies such as preventive care, care coordination, and the establishment of networks of providers to achieve better health outcomes and efficiency.

In this context, the focus on quality improvement means that managed care seeks to provide effective treatments and preventive measures while keeping an eye on costs. This systematic approach is crucial for managing the complexities of healthcare delivery in a way that benefits both patients and the healthcare system as a whole. Other characteristics of managed care can include a focus on keeping patients healthy to prevent costly acute care and the use of evidence-based practices, but the integration of financing and delivery as a mechanism for enhancing quality remains central to their philosophy.