Which organization manages the delivery of health care services offered by hospitals and physicians employed by the organization?

The correct answer is the Integrated Delivery System (IDS). An Integrated Delivery System is designed to coordinate a range of health care services, creating a seamless delivery mechanism for patients. This organization encompasses hospitals and physicians under its umbrella, allowing for more efficient management and delivery of care as it integrates various health care services, including preventive, acute, and long-term care.

This structure enables a streamlined approach to health care, where both the patient’s medical needs and administrative functions are managed within one organization. As a result, it fosters better communication among providers, enhances patient outcomes, and can potentially reduce costs because of the coordinated care model.

In contrast, an Independent Practice Association (IPA) typically consists of independent physicians who contract with health plans but may not control the delivery of services as directly as an IDS. An Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) is a type of managed care plan that provides health care services through a network of providers but does not usually involve direct employment of physicians or hospitals by the organization. IPO stands for Independent Practice Organization, but similar to an IPA, it lacks the comprehensive management focus on health care services that defines an Integrated Delivery System.