MANAGE CARE Meaning and
Definition
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Managed care refers to a healthcare delivery system in which the financing, coordination, and delivery of healthcare services are controlled and regulated by a specified entity, typically an insurance company or a healthcare organization. Its primary objective is to provide cost-effective and high-quality healthcare to patients by efficiently managing and coordinating their medical needs.
This system involves a network of participating healthcare providers, including hospitals, doctors, specialists, and other healthcare professionals, who have agreed to provide services to individuals enrolled in a particular managed care plan. The main focus is on prevention, early diagnosis, and effective treatment, with an emphasis on cost containment.
Managed care typically employs a variety of strategies to control costs and improve quality. These may include utilization management, which involves reviewing medical services to ensure they are medically necessary and appropriate; case management, which coordinates complex care needs; and the use of financial incentives to encourage patients to use providers within the network.
Furthermore, managed care often incorporates elements of coordination and collaboration among healthcare providers to enhance the overall patient experience and minimize duplication of services. This coordination extends to the establishment of close relationships between primary care physicians and specialists to ensure smooth transitions and effective communication.
Overall, managed care systems aim to strike a delicate balance between cost containment, efficient delivery of services, and the provision of high-quality healthcare to enhance patient outcomes and satisfaction.
Etymology of MANAGE CARE
The term "managed care" originated in the United States in the mid-20th century and specifically refers to a system of health care delivery. The word "managed" comes from the verb "manage", which derives from the Italian word "maneggiare", meaning "to handle" or "to control". "Manage" entered English in the early 16th century from Middle French "mener", also meaning "to control" or "to handle".
The term "care" has a long history and comes from the Old English word "caru" or "cearu", which meant "worry" or "sorrow". It evolved over time to encompass the concept of attending to, protecting, and looking after someone's well-being.
