What is a term for a physician or health care facility under contract to a managed care plan?

The term that refers to a physician or health care facility that is under contract to a managed care plan is "network provider." This designation typically means that the provider has agreed to provide services to patients who are members of that managed care plan at negotiated rates, thus ensuring that care is delivered within a specified network to control costs and maintain quality. Network providers often play a critical role in the managed care structure by providing essential services and ensuring that patients have access to care without facing high out-of-pocket expenses.

In contrast, the other terms have different implications within the healthcare landscape. A group practice generally refers to a group of physicians who come together to practice medicine, but it doesn't necessarily imply a contract with managed care plans. An integrated delivery system (IDS) denotes a system that incorporates various healthcare providers and services to offer coordinated care, though it does not specifically highlight the contractual relationship with managed care. An exclusive provider organization (EPO) is a type of managed care plan that only covers services provided by in-network providers, but the term focuses on the structure of the insurance plan rather than the individual providers or facilities.

Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why "network provider" accurately captures the relationship between a physician or healthcare facility and a managed care plan.