What is one key feature of the third-party payer system in managed care?

One key feature of the third-party payer system in managed care is the active involvement in healthcare quality. In managed care, third-party payers, such as insurance companies, do not just pay for healthcare services; they also take an active role in overseeing and improving the quality of care that patients receive. This can include implementing guidelines for treatment, monitoring outcomes, and encouraging preventive care measures among providers. By focusing on quality, managed care aims to ensure that patients receive appropriate and effective healthcare, thereby enhancing the overall health of the population and managing costs more effectively.

In contrast, other features like complete patient autonomy, passive cost management, and absence of prior authorization requirements do not align with the principles of managed care. Managed care often requires certain pre-authorizations and manages costs through active strategies, rather than being passive, to ensure that healthcare resources are used efficiently while maintaining quality standards.