Which of the following describes a characteristic of managed care organizations?

Managed care organizations (MCOs) are primarily designed to enhance the efficiency of healthcare delivery while controlling costs, making the focus on both cost control and service quality a central characteristic. MCOs achieve this by integrating healthcare services and establishing relationships with providers, which helps ensure that patients receive appropriate care in a cost-effective manner.

Cost control is essential in MCOs as they often use strategies such as negotiated rates with providers and a focus on preventive care to minimize costs over time. At the same time, managing the quality of services is crucial to ensure that patients receive adequate care, which fosters better health outcomes and patient satisfaction. These organizations strive to balance financial sustainability with the necessity of providing quality healthcare services.

In contrast, other options misrepresent the fundamental nature of MCOs. For instance, MCOs are not exclusive to rural areas; they operate in various settings, including urban locations. While they provide healthcare choices, they do not typically offer full freedom in selecting providers, as they often have a network of providers that patients must use to receive the best benefits. Additionally, MCOs play a significant role in patient care coordination, which directly contradicts the idea that they have no involvement in this aspect of care.