Which type of insurance plan does not require a referral from a primary care physician to see a specialist?

Which type of insurance plan does not require a referral from a primary care physician to see a specialist?

PPO PPO. A PPO (or “preferred provider organization”) is a health plan with a “preferred” network of providers in your area. You do not need to select a primary care physician and you do not need referrals to see a specialist.

Does EPO require referral?

Most EPOs will not require you to get a referral from a primary care healthcare provider before seeing a specialist. This makes it easier to see a specialist since you're making the decision yourself, but you need to be very careful that you're seeing only specialists that are in-network with your EPO.

What is a PPO or HMO?

To start, HMO stands for Health Maintenance Organization, and the coverage restricts patients to a particular group of physicians called a network. PPO is short for Preferred Provider Organization and allows patients to choose any physician they wish, either inside or outside of their network.

What are the pros and cons of a HMO?

HMO Pros and Cons

• Usually cheaper than the same coverage using Original Medicare.
• Privately run companies.
• Billing is often more streamlined and easier to understand.
• Many plans to choose from so you can get the best plan for your needs.
• Often includes some coverage not covered under Original Medicare.

Why HMO is bad?

Since HMOs only contract with a certain number of doctors and hospitals in any one particular area, and insurers won't pay for healthcare received at out-of-network providers, the biggest disadvantages of HMOs are fewer choices and potentially, higher costs.

Do all HMOs need referrals?

• HMO's usually do require a referral; PPO's usually do not require one; PFFS plans do not require a referral, and SNP 's usually do require one. Original Medicare does not require a referral to see a specialist. The specialist just needs to be Medicare qualified.

What health insurances need referrals?

• Most insurance plans require a referral to our doctors from your primary care physician in order for the visit to be covered by insurance. Some plans allow you to self-refer. In general, PPO plans allow self-referral, and HMO plans require a referral/authorization from the patient’s primary care physician.

Should I get a HMO or PPO?

• A PPO plan can be a better choice compared with an HMO if you need flexibility in which health care providers you see. More flexibility to use providers both in-network and out-of-network. You can usually visit specialists without a referral, including out-of-network specialists.

Does HMO have a deductible?

• 1 Answer. One of the main differences in HMO is not having deductibles or having a very low one. You may not be required to pay a deductible before coverage starts and your co-payments will likely be minimal. With an HMO plan, you typically won’t have to submit any of your own claims to the insurance company.