Medical Subject Headings (MeSH): Health Maintenance Organizations

Health maintenance organizations (HMOs) are a type of managed care organization that provides healthcare services to enrollees in exchange for a premium. HMOs typically contract with a network of healthcare providers, such as hospitals and primary care doctors, to provide care to their enrollees.

HMOs often require enrollees to select a primary care physician who is responsible for coordinating their healthcare. Enrollees may need to obtain a referral from their primary care physician in order to see a specialist. HMOs typically have lower out-of-pocket costs for enrollees than other types of health insurance plans, but they may also have more limited provider networks and may not cover certain services.

HMOs can be structured in a variety of ways, including as for-profit or non-profit organizations, and they may be owned by healthcare providers, insurance companies, or other entities.

Overall, HMOs are a type of managed care organization that aims to provide high-quality, cost-effective healthcare services to their enrollees.