Want to check if your trusted doctors are part of our PPO network? Simply search by inputting the zip code where you want to look for care and select 'Blue Preferred' as your network.
A World of Choices
Bright Horizons Back-Up Care Advantage ® Provider Portal Welcome to the Bright Horizons/Back-Up Care Advantage® Online Provider Portal! If you have any questions or require assistance accessing the portal, please contact us at providerportalgroup@brighthorizons.com or contact the Provider Relations Team. Providers Provider Partner Update — February 2021. As a provider-led health insurer, we have a unique appreciation for the partnerships we share with our network doctors and care providers. Our Provider Partner Update newsletter includes the latest news and information for network providers. Read This Month's Issue.
Provider Network & Wireless Cards Drivers
Your membership gives you a world of choices. Whether you need care here in the United States or abroad, you'll have access to health care in more than 190 countries.
With a provider network this comprehensive — more than 1 million physicians as well as provider facilities, hospitals and other care centers — most of your care needs are covered in-network, which means savings for you.
Connecting You to the Best Care
For the best health, you need the best care that's centered on your unique needs, delivered at the right place at the right time. CareFirst has programs which focus on the relationship between you and your doctor whether a physician or nurse practitioner. These programs provide your doctor with a more complete view of your health needs, enabling him/her to use this information to better manage and coordinate your care, a key to better health.
24/7 Care When Your Doctor is Unavailable
Free 24-Hour Nurse Advice Line
Call anytime to speak with a registered nurse. Nurses can provide you with medical advice and recommend the most appropriate care.
Provider Network & Wireless Cards Drivers
CareFirst Video Visit
See a doctor 24/7 without an appointment. You can consult with a board-certified doctor whenever you want on your smartphone, tablet or computer
Continuity of Care
If you are in the middle of treatment or the last trimester of pregnancy and your doctor doesn't participate with CareFirst, you may be eligible for our Continuity of Care process. This process allows you or your dependents to receive care from out-of-network providers for up to 90 days. Complete the Continuity of Care form and submit it to CareFirst to determine if you qualify for this process.
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Nationwide, more than 96% of hospitals and 91% of professional providers contract directly with Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies.
1,006,430 physicians are in-network
You can avoid unexpected medical bills by knowing how your plan works. Certain choices you make can affect what you'll pay out-of-pocket. Know the difference between in-network and out-of-network care to help save on health care expenses.
What's the difference between in-network and out-of-network?
To help you save money, most health plans provide access to a network of doctors, facilities, and pharmacies. These doctors and facilities must meet certain credentialing requirements and agree to accept a discounted rate for covered services under the health plan in order to be part of the network. These health care providers are considered in-network.
If a doctor or facility has no contract with your health plan, they're considered out-of-network and can charge you full price. It's usually much higher than the in-network discounted rate. Shuttle driver.
Why does out-of-network care cost more?
- You're probably paying full price. When health insurers don't have a contracted relationship with out-of-network doctors and facilities, they can't control what is charged for services. And rates may be higher than the discounted in-network rate.
- You may have to pay the difference. If your doctor's bill is higher than what your plan will pay, you might have to pay the difference. Many health plans list an amount that is the most they'll pay for a certain service received out-of-network. If the doctor or facility charges more than your plan is willing to pay, you could be responsible for paying the difference in addition to your deductible, copay and/or coinsurance. In-network doctors and facilities have agreed not to charge you more than the agreed-upon cost.
- Your share of costs is different—and usually higher. A copay is the amount you pay for covered health services at the time you receive care. There are no copays when you use a doctor or facility that is out-of-network. But you are responsible for paying the coinsurance, or a percentage of covered charges. This may be much higher than the in-network copay or coinsurance amount.
In-network vs. out-of-network costs
Out-of-network costs can add up quickly, even for routine care. If you have a serious illness or injury, it can mean paying thousands of dollars more. Here's an example of doctor charges for a surgery:*
Viewing and printing this document requires Adobe Acrobat Reader, which can be downloaded free from the Adobe site.
Nationwide, more than 96% of hospitals and 91% of professional providers contract directly with Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies.
1,006,430 physicians are in-network
You can avoid unexpected medical bills by knowing how your plan works. Certain choices you make can affect what you'll pay out-of-pocket. Know the difference between in-network and out-of-network care to help save on health care expenses.
What's the difference between in-network and out-of-network?
To help you save money, most health plans provide access to a network of doctors, facilities, and pharmacies. These doctors and facilities must meet certain credentialing requirements and agree to accept a discounted rate for covered services under the health plan in order to be part of the network. These health care providers are considered in-network.
If a doctor or facility has no contract with your health plan, they're considered out-of-network and can charge you full price. It's usually much higher than the in-network discounted rate. Shuttle driver.
Why does out-of-network care cost more?
- You're probably paying full price. When health insurers don't have a contracted relationship with out-of-network doctors and facilities, they can't control what is charged for services. And rates may be higher than the discounted in-network rate.
- You may have to pay the difference. If your doctor's bill is higher than what your plan will pay, you might have to pay the difference. Many health plans list an amount that is the most they'll pay for a certain service received out-of-network. If the doctor or facility charges more than your plan is willing to pay, you could be responsible for paying the difference in addition to your deductible, copay and/or coinsurance. In-network doctors and facilities have agreed not to charge you more than the agreed-upon cost.
- Your share of costs is different—and usually higher. A copay is the amount you pay for covered health services at the time you receive care. There are no copays when you use a doctor or facility that is out-of-network. But you are responsible for paying the coinsurance, or a percentage of covered charges. This may be much higher than the in-network copay or coinsurance amount.
In-network vs. out-of-network costs
Out-of-network costs can add up quickly, even for routine care. If you have a serious illness or injury, it can mean paying thousands of dollars more. Here's an example of doctor charges for a surgery:*
| You choose an out-of-network doctor: | You choose an in-network doctor: |
|---|---|
| Doctor charges $15,000. | Doctor charges $15,000. |
| Your plan will cover $10,000. | Your plan will cover $10,000, the contracted rate. |
| Doctor bills you for the $5,000 difference. | Doctor is not allowed to bill you for the difference. |
Provider Networks
When you choose a plan, you will typically have access to a specific provider network. Some networks may be larger than others or may include different choices of providers in your local area. Sicsargroupalcmer driver download for windows. It's important to understand these differences when choosing a plan to meet your specific needs. Also, when you choose a plan, make sure your provider is part of the network associated with that plan.
Provider Network Frequently Asked Questions
Which hospitals can I use?
If you have a Cigna health plan or are considering enrolling in a Cigna plan, find out which network is included and then search our provider directory.
Do I need to see a doctor within my plan's network for my expenses to be covered?
Plans may vary, but in general to save on out-of-pocket costs, you should visit in-network providers. If your plan includes out-of-network benefits, eligible expenses are covered but your out-of-pocket costs may be higher. Depending on the plan you choose and where you live, network availability may vary. Refer to your plan documents for network details. When you've decided which plan you'd like, you can visit the provider directory to see if your providers are in-network.
Do I need to select a primary care provider (PCP) before my coverage begins?
If you are purchasing Individual and Family Plan coverage through a state or federal marketplace, in most cases, a primary care provider will be assigned to you. You may change your PCP after your planned start date.
If you are enrolling in a health plan through your employer, review your employer's plan details to see if you're required to choose a PCP or if choosing a PCP is optional, and to see if there are any network requirements for your plan.
Do I need a referral to see a specialist?
Depending on your plan, a referral from your PCP may be required to see a specialist. Under all plans, referrals are not required for OB/GYNs for covered obstetrical or gynecological services. See your plan documents for details.
Am I covered outside of the service area and outside of the country?
Depending on your plan, benefits may or may not include out-of-network coverage. Refer to your plan documents for important coverage information. Outside of the United States, coverage is limited to emergency services as defined in the plan documents. If you receive coverage through your employer, your employer may offer coverage for health care services received outside of the country when you are travelling for work purposes. Contact your employer for details.
Can I go to any health care provider if I'm traveling?
Depending on your plan, benefits may or may not include access to in-network and out-of-network benefits while traveling. Coverage and reimbursement varies by plan. Refer to your plan documents for details.
Reference the provider directory to find health care providers in your plan's network. Emergency services are always covered.**
