What was the key feature of the QISMC when it was formed?

The key feature of the Quality Improvement System for Managed Care (QISMC) when it was formed was to clarify responsibilities in promoting quality. QISMC was designed to provide a structured approach for managed care organizations to enhance the quality of care delivered to patients. By establishing clear roles and responsibilities, it aimed to ensure that all stakeholders, including providers, payers, and patients, understood their part in improving health care quality. This foundational aspect was essential for establishing a framework that could support continuous quality improvement efforts across the healthcare system, leading to better patient outcomes and more effective use of resources.

In contrast, the other options focus on specific aspects of quality and safety in healthcare but do not encapsulate the core objective of QISMC at its inception. For example, while developing a physician reporting incentive or focusing on patient safety are important concepts in quality improvement, they do not define the primary aim of QISMC. Similarly, while establishing partnerships with private sectors is valuable, it was not the central focus of QISMC's initial formation. The emphasis on clarifying responsibilities within the quality promotion framework set the stage for the systematic enhancement of care quality in managed care settings.