What type of organization is responsible for financing and delivering comprehensive health services for a prepaid, fixed fee?

A health maintenance organization (HMO) is specifically designed to provide comprehensive health services through a network of providers that are contracted to deliver care for a prepaid, fixed fee. This model emphasizes preventative care and wellness, promoting access to a range of healthcare services while controlling costs. Members typically must choose a primary care physician who coordinates their care and refers them to specialists within the network, further emphasizing the systems approach to healthcare delivery.

In contrast, preferred provider organizations (PPOs) offer more flexibility in choosing healthcare providers and do not require members to select a primary care physician or obtain referrals to see specialists. Independent practice associations (IPAs) consist of independent physicians who join to offer services to HMOs or other insurance plans but do not inherently function as the comprehensive prepaid model established by HMOs. A virtual health network focuses on delivering healthcare services using digital technology but does not necessarily operate on a prepaid, fixed fee basis like an HMO.