AD Banker Comprehensive Practice Exam

Which method is NOT a strategy used by Managed Health Care to control costs?

1. Controlled Provider Access

2. Copayments and/or coinsurance

3. Partial Case Management

4. Preventive Care

The correct answer is: Partial Case Management

Managed Health Care employs various strategies aimed at controlling healthcare costs, with some methods being more commonly recognized than others. In this case, controlled provider access ensures that patients receive care from a network of providers, which helps to negotiate better rates and manage expenses effectively. Copayments and coinsurance are cost-sharing mechanisms that also form a part of managed healthcare strategies, incentivizing patients to be more mindful of their healthcare usage and costs. Preventive care is another essential aspect of managed care as it focuses on early intervention and regular check-ups, which can significantly reduce the incidence of costly medical interventions later on. By promoting preventive measures, managed care aims to improve overall health outcomes and reduce long-term costs. On the contrary, the concept of partial case management does not align with the primary cost-containment strategies typical of managed health care. Case management generally involves a comprehensive approach that oversees an individual's care to promote efficiency and coordination among different healthcare services. A partial approach would not provide the same level of oversight and could lead to fragmented care, which could ultimately increase costs rather than control them. Thus, this method is not a recognized strategy within the managed health care framework aimed at controlling expenses.