For the past couple of weeks, I have talked about deductibles, co-pays, out-of-pocket maximums, and knowing the difference between those things. Today I would like to look at another important area that people really struggle with: finding providers.

For those of us who’ve been around for a while, insurance looked very different 20-30 years ago.

Gone are the days when you went to a doctor, and just handed him your insurance card.

It is not like that anymore.

One main reason is insurance networks:

• Insurance companies have decided to operate within networks of providers.
• Not all doctors are in-network with all the various insurances.
• Some doctors even opt out of any network and are cash only.

This has changed how we need to look for doctors and providers.

• People are used to googling or hearing of a word-of-mouth referral for a doctor they need.
• They then try to see if that provider takes their insurance, and often, they don’t.
• OR the provider takes their insurance company but not their exact plan.
• TOP TIP: switch around the way you approach it!

If you want to use your insurance, you have to play the insurance game.

• You have to go to your insurance portal.
• If you need a podiatrist, you look up podiatrist in your portal, and you pick a doctor from that list.
• This applies to pharmacies too!

Keep in mind that you need to look at your portal and search for providers BEFORE you go seek care.

Then, you will have to stay with those particular doctors if you want insurance to pay. You always have the option of being a cash patient if you want to see a particular doctor, but if you want to utilize insurance, this is the way to do it!

If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to me.