Who primarily oversees a patient's health care decisions within a managed care framework?

Within a managed care framework, the role of the gatekeeper is crucial because this individual, often a primary care physician or a designated healthcare provider, is responsible for overseeing and coordinating a patient's healthcare decisions. The gatekeeper acts as a point of access to the larger healthcare system, guiding patients on which specialists to see and what services are necessary. This approach helps ensure that patients receive appropriate and cost-effective care, reducing unnecessary treatments and specialist visits.

In contrast, while the subscriber and enrollee have roles in the managed care structure, they are typically the individuals who have purchased or are eligible for the health insurance plan, rather than the decision-makers in the care process. Case managers also play an important role, particularly in coordinating care for patients with specific needs, but the gatekeeper specifically oversees the overall management and approval of healthcare services, making them the primary overseer in this context.