Why is cost control a key component of managed care?

Cost control is a key component of managed care primarily because it helps reduce unnecessary medical treatment and costs. Managed care systems focus on delivering healthcare in a cost-effective manner, ensuring that patients receive appropriate care without unnecessary interventions.

By emphasizing preventive care and coordinating treatment efforts, managed care organizations can minimize the likelihood of costly procedures that may arise from untreated conditions. This approach not only helps to contain healthcare costs but also enhances the overall efficiency of the healthcare delivery system. Reducing unnecessary treatments directly contributes to lowering the overall expenditure on healthcare, making it more sustainable for both providers and patients.

In contrast, other options suggest either an increase in payments for providers or expand access in ways that may not directly relate to managing costs effectively. For example, unrestricted access to specialists could lead to increased costs rather than cost control. Similarly, increasing the number of providers may improve access but doesn't inherently focus on the efficiency of care or reducing unnecessary expenses.