What term refers to contracting health care services to independent companies or facilities?

The term that refers to contracting health care services to independent companies or facilities is outsourcing. This practice involves delegating certain tasks or services to external providers rather than handling them internally. In the healthcare context, outsourcing can enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and allow healthcare organizations to focus on their core competencies while relying on specialized external providers for services like medical billing, laboratory testing, or IT management.

Outsourcing enables health organizations to access broader expertise and resources, which can improve service quality and increase operational flexibility. This approach is increasingly relevant in the evolving health landscape, where organizations are looking to optimize their operations in light of financial pressures and the need for specialized services.