Final answer:
After joining an HMO, a subscriber will usually select a primary care physician. This differs from fee-for-service models, as HMOs pay providers a fixed amount per patient rather than for individual services.
Step-by-step explanation:
After joining a health maintenance organization (HMO), a subscriber will typically select a primary care physician (PCP). In the context of HMOs, members choose a PCP who acts as the gatekeeper to a range of healthcare services. The organization offers a fixed amount per person enrolled, covering all provided services. This method contrasts with the fee-for-service system where providers are reimbursed based on the number and costs of services delivered. HMOs aim to manage costs and improve the efficiency of healthcare delivery, which helps to mitigate issues such as adverse selection and moral hazard, common in other types of health insurance models.