Which of the following accurately describes a feature of an Independent Practice Association (IPA)?

An Independent Practice Association (IPA) is primarily organized to allow independent physicians to collaborate and contract with health insurance plans while maintaining their own practices. The defining feature of an IPA is that it contracts with individual physicians to provide necessary medical care to members of a health plan. Through this structure, physicians can benefit from shared resources and administrative support while retaining the independence of their practices.

This model enables a more flexible approach to patient care and can enhance access to a broad network of services, as independent practitioners can coordinate care among themselves without being tied to a specific hospital system or provider group. The arrangement is beneficial for both the physicians, who can continue to operate their practices, and patients, who gain access to a wide range of healthcare services.