Health insurance is a vital aspect of our health and well-being. And the exponentially rising cost of healthcare is insurmountable without some level of insurance. So, it is crucial that we are covered in the case of an unforeseeable ailment or injury. However, health insurance is a complicated web of pure confusion. It takes an expert, someone who has devoted their entire career to the subject, to fully understand its ins and outs. And while you do not need to comprehend every aspect of insurance or even your own coverage completely, there are some things you’ll want to be sure are made clear.
If you’ve recently moved or required specialized medical attention, you may be seeking a new primary physician. And in this process, you’ll need to consider a few questions. To help you better understand your insurance, your doctor, and choose the best avenue of care for your needs, know what questions to ask your physician’s office. These will help you know what is covered by your insurance plan and what to expect in costs before you even book an appointment. Take out the guesswork and surprises, and take hold of your health care!
Three questions to ask your doctor:
1. Is this office covered by my current health insurance plan?
You can answer this inquiry in more than one way. You can simply call the office directly and ask. However, this might turn into quite a few phone calls to random doctors’ offices. Or you can check your health plan’s website for a provider directory. This may be a more direct and easily navigable solution. Also, check if your plan requires prior authorization before your visit. This will avoid charges that could otherwise be applied to your plan.
2. Does my health plan cover my healthcare requirements?
There are several essential health benefits covered by all private health care plans. These include prescription drugs, emergency visits, pregnancy, maternity, and newborn services. However, beyond these, each plan is a bit unique in its coverage. If you have questions about what particular services are covered, you can reach out to your plan for answers.
3. What will I be charged?
While you are free to visit an out-of-network provider, you’ll save the most money with someone who is in-network. This indicates that their office accepts your insurance, resulting in a smaller out-of-pocket fee. As discussed above, each plan is a bit different from the next. So avoid any unwelcome surprises and learn which services aren’t subject to your plan.
Insurance and finding a healthcare provider who is both in-network and compatible with your preferences and needs, can be a headache. That’s why we at Bernardini and Donovan are here for your insurance inquiries and navigation. Don’t go it alone- this is a complicated topic! So leave it to the experts. We’ll assist you in this process, finding the best options for your exact criteria.
