Which of the following is a characteristic of managed care approaches?

Managed care approaches are primarily designed to control healthcare costs while ensuring that patients receive appropriate and necessary care. One of the key characteristics of these approaches is the use of financial arrangements such as discounted fees and capitation.

In capitation, a healthcare provider is paid a set amount for each enrolled patient, regardless of how many services that patient uses. This encourages healthcare providers to manage resources efficiently and focus on preventive care, as they benefit from keeping patients healthy and reducing unnecessary services. Discounted fees reflect negotiated rates between healthcare providers and managed care organizations, which help lower costs for consumers while maintaining a network of providers.

The other options do not align with the principles of managed care. High fees and unrestricted access to specialists typically characterize traditional fee-for-service models, which can lead to increased costs and potentially over-utilization of services. Fee-for-service models emphasize charging separately for each service and do not promote the cost-control strategies inherent in managed care. Finally, direct provider payments for services rendered are more reflective of traditional payment models without the cost-containment strategies associated with managed care frameworks. Thus, the focus on discounted fees and capitation in managed care is integral to its function in the healthcare system.