What is the primary goal of an HMO?

The primary goal of a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) is to reduce healthcare costs while ensuring members receive necessary medical services. HMO structures typically encourage preventive care and wellness initiatives that help keep patients healthy, thereby reducing the need for more extensive and expensive treatments in the future. By focusing on a network of doctors and requiring members to choose a primary care physician, HMOs can manage care more effectively, leading to more coordinated treatment and overall cost savings.

In contrast, access to specialists is generally more restricted under HMO plans, as patients usually need a referral from their primary care physician to see a specialist. This approach is not about providing unlimited access; rather, it ensures that care is managed and appropriate. Limiting patient choices is often viewed as a downside by some, but within the HMO model, it is designed to streamline care and keep costs down. Lastly, HMOs do consider all areas of health, not solely focusing on mental health, making the emphasis on overall health management rather than a singular aspect.