What does managed care refer to?

Managed care refers to a system that is designed to control the costs of healthcare while maintaining the quality of care provided to patients. It involves various strategies to direct the utilization of health benefits, which typically includes coordinating patient care through networks of providers, promoting preventive care, and managing resources efficiently. This focus helps ensure that patients receive necessary services while avoiding unnecessary procedures and high costs.

Unlike a system that would provide unlimited healthcare benefits, which could lead to over-utilization of services, managed care is more about balancing access and cost. It typically includes elements such as preauthorization for certain treatments, referrals to specialists, and the establishment of networks where care is provided at lower costs.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of managed care. For example, patient consent is about ensuring that patients are informed and agree to their treatment plans, while methods of patient referral involve directing patients to specialists but are just one component of the broader managed care system. Hence, the correct answer highlights the comprehensive approach managed care takes in guiding how health benefits are used.