Which feature is typically NOT associated with managed care organizations?

Managed care organizations are designed to provide cost-effective healthcare while maintaining and improving the quality of care. A key feature of managed care is a strong emphasis on cost control, which often involves restricting access to a network of providers. This approach includes negotiated payment rates for services, ensuring that costs are managed effectively while still providing necessary health services to members. Additionally, preventative care initiatives are a fundamental aspect, as they aim to reduce long-term healthcare costs by preventing diseases rather than just treating them.

In contrast, wide access to non-network providers is typically not a feature associated with managed care organizations. Managed care plans generally encourage the utilization of health care providers within the network, which helps to maintain lower costs and coordinated care. Accessing non-network providers usually incurs higher expenses or may not be covered at all, which runs counter to the managed care model that prioritizes efficiency and cost-effectiveness. This focus on maintaining a defined network of providers supports both cost management and the integration of care, making it a distinctive characteristic of managed care organizations.