New York Child Abuse Identification and Reporting Practice Exam

Which of the following is a potential benefit of managed care plans?

1. Higher overall healthcare costs

2. Increased provider choice

3. Greater emphasis on preventive care

4. Less coordination of care

The correct answer is: Greater emphasis on preventive care

The potential benefit of managed care plans that is considered correct is the greater emphasis on preventive care. Managed care aims to control healthcare costs and improve the quality of care by emphasizing preventive services. This proactive approach focuses on preventing illnesses and health issues before they escalate, which can lead to healthier outcomes for patients and potentially lower overall healthcare costs in the long run. Managed care organizations often incentivize providers to keep patients healthy and encourage regular check-ups and screenings. By prioritizing preventive care, these plans help identify health issues early, reducing the need for more extensive and expensive treatments later. The other options highlight characteristics that do not align with the primary goals of managed care. Typically, managed care may lead to higher overall healthcare costs due to the administrative expenses associated with coordinating care. It also tends to offer a more limited choice of providers, as patients are often required to go through a network of participating healthcare professionals. Additionally, managed care is usually designed to enhance the coordination of care among providers, rather than reducing it.