If the doctor you want doesn’t take your health insurance plan, you still have some options. Check your plan or call your health insurance customer service department to see if you have out-of-network coverage. In some cases, you may be able to appeal to your health insurer to cover a specialist who isn’t technically in the network. There’s always the option to pay yourself -- but remember, many plans have an annual cap on out-of-pocket expenses.
Likewise, ask your doctor if you could convince him or her to begin accepting your insurer. And every year when you renew your health insurance (a lovely period in November called "open enrollment" by most employers), call your doctor and make sure he or she intends to keep accepting this insurance plan.
When we're deciding which insurance carriers we'll work with, doctors can be swayed by just a few small factors—and if dropping a plan will create big problems for two or three regular (and well-liked) patients, that can carry weight. So speak up.
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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.