What does HMO stand for?

• A. Health Maintenance Plan
• B. Health Management Organization
• C. Household Medical Organization
• D. Health Maintenance Organization

Answer: (D)

In healthcare, acronyms like HMO point to a specific type of organization and how care is coordinated. HMO stands for Health Maintenance Organization. This is the standard term used for a network-based, managed care organization that emphasizes preventive services and coordinates care through a designated set of providers. The other phrases don’t reflect the commonly used name for this type of system, and you’ll rarely see them used in official terminology. Under an HMO model, you typically choose a primary care physician and may need referrals to see specialists, reinforcing the focus on coordinated, preventive care.