What is the main goal of "utilization management"?

The main goal of utilization management is to ensure that healthcare services are efficient and meet patient needs. This process involves evaluating the appropriateness, necessity, and efficiency of the use of healthcare services, procedures, and facilities. By focusing on patient-centered care, utilization management aims to provide the right care at the right time, ensuring that patients receive the most effective treatments tailored to their specific conditions. This approach not only helps optimize patient outcomes but can also contribute to cost savings by preventing unnecessary interventions and promoting the best use of resources.

While other aspects such as cost reduction, treatment options, and administrative efficiency are relevant in healthcare management, they are secondary to the core principle of delivering appropriate care that meets the patients' needs effectively.