You can use the doctor you like. However, you are advised to stay in-network:
- Which doctor you can see and which hospitals you can use as "in-network" are determined by your network provider. There are many insurance companies and many healthcare providers such as doctors, clinics and hospitals. If every insurance company had to negotiate with every healthcare provider, it would be exceedingly inefficient.
- Therefore, the network provider negotiates with the healthcare providers and interacts with the insurance companies. The network provider acts as the "middle man" making the whole system more efficiently.
- When you go "out-of-network", that means that the doctor or hospital that you are using has not negotiated with the network provider your health insurance plan supports. When you go "out-of-network", typically your deductible will double and your coinsurance will double.
- The doctor's offices and hospitals know these network providers, because they deal with them on a day-to-day basis. The person who answers the phone at your doctor's office will be able to provide you with the answers.
You can start by getting quotes.
Then, compare the different plans and ask questions.
Next, apply online!
