Define 'managed care' in the context of health services.

Managed care refers to a healthcare delivery system that seeks to integrate both the financing and quality of care provided to patients. This model is designed to improve overall health outcomes while controlling costs by coordinating a patient's healthcare needs among various providers. The primary goal is to ensure that patients receive appropriate care at the right time and place, which is achieved through various strategies such as network restrictions, utilization management, and focused preventive care.

By integrating financial management with the care delivery process, managed care organizations often require members to utilize a specific network of providers, thus fostering better coordination of care and accountability. This balance helps to ensure that patients not only receive necessary treatments but also avoid unnecessary procedures, contributing to more efficient healthcare spending.

In contrast, other options presented suggest narrower views on what managed care entails. For instance, a focus solely on preventive care does not encompass the full spectrum of managed care activities, which also includes acute care and chronic disease management. Limiting patient options strictly would not reflect the integrative nature intended in managed care, which still seeks to provide quality care within specific networks. Lastly, while some managed care organizations may operate as non-profits, this financial structure is not a definitive characteristic of managed care itself, as both non-profit and for-profit models exist