Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML) Practice Test

Individual Provider Arrangements (IPAs) are best described as?

1. A coalition of hospitals working together

2. A group of physicians serving HMO patients

3. An insurance policy for independent contractors

4. A form of telehealth service provision

The correct answer is: A group of physicians serving HMO patients

Individual Provider Arrangements (IPAs) are best understood as a network formed primarily by a group of physicians who come together to provide services, especially for Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) patients. This arrangement enables physicians to retain their independence while collaborating to offer managed care services, effectively enhancing patient access to a range of providers without sacrificing the autonomy of individual practices. In this context, the IPA structure supports the efficient delivery of health care by pooling resources, which can lead to improved patient care coordination and often allows participating providers to negotiate better reimbursement rates with insurance plans. This collaborative approach is especially beneficial in managing care for HMO patients, who typically require coordinated care within a defined network of providers. Other options, while related to healthcare, do not accurately describe the nature of IPAs. For instance, coalitions of hospitals working together or telehealth service provisions focus on different aspects of health care delivery rather than the specific dynamics of independent physician collaboration. An insurance policy for independent contractors signifies a different relationship than what is characterized in the arrangement of an IPA.