Which of the following is NOT typically a feature of managed care?

Managed care systems are designed to provide a mechanism for managing the quality and cost of healthcare services. One of the fundamental aspects of managed care is that it often requires its members to use a network of healthcare providers. This managed network is designed to control costs and improve quality through various strategies, making the free choice of providers less attainable compared to traditional insurance models.

Typically, managed care incorporates features such as integrated care management, focusing on coordinating different areas of healthcare for better patient outcomes. It emphasizes preventative health strategies to reduce the necessity for more extensive and costly medical interventions later. Additionally, managed care employs various cost management techniques aimed at keeping healthcare expenses in check while still providing adequate patient care.

Therefore, the option that does not align with the characteristics of managed care—free choice of healthcare providers—stands out as it contradicts the principles of managed care, which operates within a defined network to maintain efficiency and cost-effectiveness.