What does "managed care" aim to achieve?

Managed care primarily aims to integrate financing and delivery of healthcare services to enhance efficiency and quality of care. This approach seeks to streamline the healthcare process by coordinating patient care, which can lead to improved health outcomes while controlling costs. In managed care systems, providers are incentivized to focus on preventive care and effective management of chronic conditions, aligning financial and health service delivery strategies.

By integrating financing—often through health insurance plans—with the provision of healthcare services, managed care reduces fragmentation of services, which can lead to unnecessary tests and procedures. This improved coordination helps ensure that patients receive appropriate care at the right time and place, thereby promoting better health management.

This integration fundamentally differs from other approaches that may emphasize aspects like simplifying insurance policies, advocating for unlimited access, or prioritizing emergency care over preventive measures, none of which align with the primary goals of managed care.