Posted March 12, 2015 09:25:30 CDT

How to be a Smarter Health Care Consumer (Part One) In-network Providors

by Peggy Grosskopf

Use Your Health Plan's In-network Providers

The first step you can take to becoming a smarter health care consumer is to fully understand your available benefits and choices. LR Connection will run a series on several tips to get you started.

By choosing an in‐network provider in your health plan’s provider network, you can better control your out‐of‐pocket expenses. In‐network providers have contracts with health care companies and agree to accept lower rates. To obtain the most from your in‐network providers, consider the following factors:

Hospital Admissions ― Ask your doctor if he/she has admitting privileges at more than one hospital and using your health plan’s online tool trackers to help compare the costs of different procedures at different in‐network facilities.

Quality of Care ― Use physicians that your health plan designates as satisfying certain guidelines for providing high‐quality, cost‐efficient care to better control your out‐of‐pocket expenses.

Surgical Centers ― Ask your surgeon if he/she can perform the operation at a surgery center; the fees will usually be much lower than a hospital.

Radiology Centers ― Use a free‐standing in-network radiology center for radiology services instead of the outpatient department of an in-network hospital because the cost difference may be significant.

Stay tuned to LR Connection for Part Two in the series - Using the Right Type of Facility.