Which of the following best describes "managed care"?

Managed care is best described as a network of providers that offers high-quality care at lower costs. This approach emphasizes a coordinated system that integrates health care services, focusing on preventive care and efficiency. Managed care organizations aim to reduce unnecessary health care expenses while maintaining quality standards, which is achieved through various strategies such as provider networks, care coordination, and the promotion of preventive measures.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent the essence of managed care. A focus on maximizing premium revenue does not prioritize patient care or cost efficiency, and traditional indemnity plans, which allow patients more freedom to choose providers without pre-established networks, do not embody the key characteristics of managed care. Lastly, a program that requires no coordination of services goes against the principle of managed care, which relies heavily on integration and management of care for optimal outcomes. Thus, the accurate depiction of managed care is indeed the network of providers offering quality care at reduced costs.