What is a key feature of managed care options in workers’ compensation?

A key feature of managed care options in workers’ compensation is the influence that employers or insurers have on treatment selection. Managed care programs are designed to streamline the processes involved in providing medical care for injured workers. They often establish networks of approved healthcare providers, thus enabling greater control over the medical services being utilized.

This structure allows employers and insurers to guide the treatment processes, ensuring that injured workers receive appropriate care while also managing costs. By directing the choice of providers and treatment plans, managed care attempts to limit unnecessary procedures and promote cost-effective and efficient healthcare solutions.

The other choices do not align with the principles of managed care in workers’ compensation. Unlimited choice of providers contradicts the managed care model, which inherently involves selecting from a limited network. Direct cash payments to providers are not standard in managed care arrangements, which typically involve negotiated fees and plans. Lastly, stating that there is no management of care negates the very essence of managed care, which is to oversee and coordinate medical treatment for injured employees. Therefore, the emphasis on employer or insurer influence on treatment selection captures the cornerstone of managed care options in the context of workers' compensation effectively.