Which statement best describes the role of managed care in care delivery?

• A. Emphasize coordinated care and cost containment.
• B. Focus on capitation and major reductions in primary care access as primary goals.
• C. Prioritize care volume over outcomes.
• D. Operate without any preventive services.

Answer: (C)

Coordinating patient care across providers while controlling costs is what managed care is designed to do. By using networks, care management, utilization review, and a focus on preventive services, managed care aims to deliver high-quality care more efficiently and prevent unnecessary spending. That makes the description emphasizing coordinated care and cost containment the best fit. While capitation can be used in some plans, it isn’t the defining aim; prioritizing care volume over outcomes describes fee-for-service models, and operating without preventive services runs counter to how most managed care programs function.