When working under a managed care plan, what do physicians typically agree to?

Physicians working under a managed care plan typically agree to accept fees that are predetermined by the plan. This arrangement is a fundamental characteristic of managed care, which is designed to control costs while providing care. Predetermined fees are established to create a cost-effective approach, allowing plans to negotiate pricing based on expected service volumes and healthcare efficacy.

By agreeing to these predefined fees, physicians are able to participate in the network, which often leads to a higher volume of patients referred due to the benefits offered to members of the managed care plan. This system emphasizes the importance of keeping costs predictable for both the provider and the patient, contributing to the overall sustainability of healthcare costs within the managed care structure.

The other options do not accurately represent the typical agreements in a managed care context. Providing unlimited care at no cost (the first option) is not economically viable and goes against the structured nature of managed care. Charging patients directly for services rendered (the third option) usually contradicts the negotiated rates set by the plan. Lastly, only accepting cash payments (the fourth option) is not aligned with the operational mechanisms of managed care, which primarily involve billing and reimbursement through the plan itself.