What does "managed care" aim to do in the healthcare delivery system?

Managed care aims to coordinate and control it to ensure that healthcare services are delivered efficiently and effectively while also managing costs. The primary objective is to enhance the quality of care provided to patients while keeping expenses in check. This is achieved through various mechanisms such as provider networks, healthcare service guidelines, preventive care, and case management.

By focusing on managing both the quality and costs, managed care organizations can negotiate better rates with providers, encourage the use of preventive services, and guide patients toward more effective treatment options, ultimately leading to better health outcomes without exorbitant spending.

The other options suggest approaches that do not align with the principles of managed care. For instance, increasing the availability of services regardless of costs would lead to unsustainable healthcare spending, while focusing solely on inpatient care ignores the importance of outpatient services and preventive care that managed care prioritizes. Similarly, expanding insurance coverage without regard to costs would not be a sustainable strategy for a managed care approach, as it could lead to inefficiencies and financial strain on the system.