Julia Peterson | Dec 21, 2020
What is a provider network? Does your insurance plan have one? And if so, how do you use it? Visitors insurance can be complicated, but finding a doctor shouldn’t be! Keep reading to find out whether your insurance plan uses a network, and how to find a doctor in that network.
There are a couple types of provider networks. You may have heard of them. The two most common types are HMO and PPO.
Most of the plans we offer at Seven Corners are PPOs. PPO stands for Preferred Provider Organization – it means we have a list of medical providers (doctors) that we have contracts with through the network. By visiting those specific providers, you may get discounts on your bills, and they can bill us directly for your visit. That means in the end, you’ll have to pay less out of your pocket.
Seven Corners also offers plans that don’t have a network. With these plans, you can visit any doctor you want. There won’t be network discounts, but you also don’t have to check with us before you choose which doctor to visit to make sure they’re in the network. You can just bring your ID card and make an appointment.
If you have a Seven Corners plan for inside the U.S. that does have a network, it’s either First Health, Multiplan, or United Healthcare PPO. You can click here (link to https://www.sevencorners.com/help/find-a-doctor) to find a doctor in your network. The logo of the network will show up on your ID card so that you know which one you have. If your card does not show any logo, you may not have a network.
When you finally get to the doctor’s office, or give them a call to make an appointment, make sure to mention your network instead of “Seven Corners.” The provider may not be aware of Seven Corners, but we use networks like United Healthcare that most providers will recognize. Mention that you found the provider in the network directory, and they should allow you to use your insurance at the visit.
Without a network, you may be asked to pay out of pocket for the visit, and file a claim yourself with us. If your insurance does not have a network, it’s okay to pay! We can reimburse you like we would pay the provider. If your insurance does use a network, but you’re being asked to pay more than just your copay or deductible, give us a call or find another provider. In-network, you shouldn’t have to pay for the visit up front.
If you have a Seven Corners medical insurance for outside of the U.S., your network of providers can be found here (link to https://www.wellabroad.com/). Outside of the U.S., you do not have to see a doctor in the network, but it always helps to visit a provider who has worked with us before.
Still confused about which network you have, or how to use it? We understand! Give us a call, email us, or chat with us online, and we’ll help you find what you need.
Julia Peterson joined the Seven Corners Customer Service team in February 2016. She is known as a writer and photographer, an extrovert, and master of the Rubik’s cube. She works from home in Michigan where she lives with her husband and her orange, half-blind cat, Murphy.
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