An HMO that involves a partnership of physicians and other providers who practice out of a central facility is called a(n)

• A. Open panel HMO
• B. Independent HMO
• C. Group HMO
• D. Staff model HMO

Answer: (C)

Group HMO describes a network where a group of physicians and other providers form a single practice and operate from a central facility under the HMO arrangement. This setup emphasizes a coordinated, multi-provider practice that shares resources and administrative functions in one location, which is the key feature of a group model. In contrast, a staff model has physicians employed directly by the HMO and working in HMO-owned clinics, while an open panel or independent/IPA arrangement involves physicians who maintain their own offices and practices, with care coordinated with the HMO but without a central, shared facility. The central, shared practice structure and partnership among providers point to the group HMO.