What is a key feature of HMOs?

A key feature of Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) is that they require members to choose a primary care physician (PCP). This PCP acts as the main point of contact for all healthcare needs and is responsible for coordinating care, including referrals to specialists. This model promotes continuity of care and helps manage overall healthcare costs by ensuring that services are rendered efficiently and appropriately.

HMOs typically emphasize preventive care and possess a network of providers. The requirement of having a primary care physician aligns with the HMO's focus on maintaining health and providing comprehensive care within a defined network, which leads to better management of resources and patient care.

The other choices relate to characteristics that are not typical of HMOs. Unlimited specialist visits may be inaccurate because, in an HMO setup, visits to specialists usually require a referral from the primary care physician. Nationwide coverage is generally not a feature of HMOs, as they typically operate within a specific geographic area. Lastly, HMOs do not operate on a fee-for-service basis; instead, they often use a capitation model, where providers are paid a set amount per member, which incentivizes them to focus on preventative care rather than billing for each individual service provided.