'Out of network' would be a provider that is not part of the 'network' or providers, usually you will have to pay more for that service, as 'in network provider' has a pre-negotiated rate with the company (I'm speaking to health ins.).
--I work in healthcare so to go just a step further. A health plan (insurer) will have a network of doctors that the have agreements with regarding reimbursement for various procedures. An out-of-network provider does not have this agreement in place. For the large amount of policies there is some sort of coverage for out-of-network procedures albeit usually significantly less substantial than in-network. You'll find that most ambulances, anesthesiologists, radiologists, pathologists, emergency room doctors (physicians w/in a hospital). This is because their services are required based on referrals from doctors. Your insurance (particularly with ER, Ambulances, and anethesiologists) will cover these services out of necessity. (I.E. You go to the ER, and they require you get some sort of blood work done. Clearly you did not have time to review your policy to see if the pathologist in the hospital would accept your insurance.)
It can all be very confusing. I'll conclude by recommending;
- Stay in-network if you can. Most payers (insurance plans) have the network accessible on their websites
- find out your out-of-network benefits from your insurer (almost all plans have them).
- If you get stuck with an out-of-network doctor, find out if you have coverage and if you don't, tell the doctor and they will usually work out some payment arrangement (anywhere from 30-70% off services), they will appreciate you doing this before the service than finding out from the insurer after the service.
- If you have had the service and find out after the fact, call the doctor to arrange payment or look for TPA or cost containment group. They usually can assist in finding some resolution to the problem.
- One loophole in the whole system. If your coverage does not have in-network providers within a certain geographical radius of your home, they are required in many cases to pay for services based on your standard in-network benefits.
Do not get this insurance they won't pay.
An Out of Network Physician can sue for the difference in what they billed and what the Insurance company pays. This is called Balance Billing - a Non Network Physician is not obligated, in any way, to accept what your insurance companys lists as their "reasonable and customary" allowable for the services. You should always seek care within your insurance network - or neogiate a discount prior to receiving the services.
Nobody has to take insurance if they don't want to.
PPO or preferred provider organization health insurance includes benefits that are used for care that is recieved from insurance providers in your network. It can also cover care that is recieved outside of your network. It does, however, pay for less of your bill if you use coverage from outside of your network.
Northwest Insurance Network serves the states of Illinois and Indiana. They have offices located in Indianapolis, Chicago, Aurora, Joliet, and many more.
Ask your doctor if he is part of the new insurance network that you are joining.
PPO stands for Preferred Provider Organizations, which means that usually there is a network of healthcare providers that are preferred and will be covered by your insurance (in-network). You are always able to see a healthcare provider that is not a preferred provider, although the coverage may not be 100%. Your plan will dictate how your insurance covers you for "out-of-network" providers.
A physician can be found through a health insurance provider. The company allows access to a network of different physicians of different specialties. The more affordable physicians are within network of the insurance provider.
Find out from your insurance who else locally is on your network or takes your insurance.
The insurance underwriter organization obviously
You can find Small Business Health Insurance Network at http://www.sbhi.net/, they offer a variety of health insurance plans to suit your business needs as well as testimonials on their website where you can read customer reviews.
Salem Insurance is an insurance provider company. They provide business, home, auto, life and health insurance.J&RThey operate through a network of agents in the insurance arena.