Certified Medical Administrative Assistants (CMAA) Practice Exam

The correct answer centers on the management of costs and quality of care, which is the primary focus of a managed care organization (MCO). MCOs are designed to provide health care services in a cost-effective manner while ensuring a high standard of quality for its members. They achieve this by coordinating patient care, emphasizing preventative services, and negotiating rates with healthcare providers. This structure aims to enhance efficiency in healthcare delivery while controlling expenses for both the provider and the patient.

In exploring the other options, maximizing patient autonomy tends to be less of a priority for MCOs, as they often promote specific providers and treatments within their networks, which may limit choices. Additionally, while some MCOs do offer specialized services, the principal focus remains on overall cost and quality management rather than specialization alone. Encouraging out-of-network services goes against the model of MCOs, which typically favor in-network resources to maintain budget control and quality. Thus, the emphasis on cost management and quality is what defines the operational framework of managed care organizations.