No. If you need to see a specialist, you're free to choose any qualified doctor, inside or outside the CIGNA HealthCare network. Although referrals are never required, the doctor providing your primary care can probably make some helpful suggestions as to which type of specialist you should see. Your out-of-pocket costs may be lower if you see an in-network specialist.

If you are in a MO HealthNet managed care health plan, you should check with your primary care provider (PCP) or your MO HealthNet managed care health plan. If you are MO HealthNet fee-for-service, you should check with the provider you want to see. The MO HealthNet fee-for-service programs do not require a referral but the provider may require one. Your provider should know if your procedure has special rules. See similar questions...

Not necessarily. Any patient can call the office and make an appointment. Only a few insurance companies require a referral from the primary care physician. You may call your primary care physician or your OBGYN specialist and request to be referred to a Board Certified REI (infertility specialist). Recent studies have shown that smoking significantly diminishes both female and male fertility potential. See similar questions...

The EPO ("Exclusive Provider Organization") plan is set up to allow the PCP to direct the care of all members who sign up with them. If the PCP feels he/she cannot provide the care needed to the patient, approval of a Specialist visit is part of their responsibility in caring for the patient. See similar questions...

In general, whether or not you need a referral depends on your individual insurance plan. Most POS and HMO plans require referrals, while some PPO plans do not. However, because of the number of insurance plans and the variability of their rules, it is difficult to generalize the answer to this question. If you have questions about about your current plan, you should check either with your insurance carrier or your primary care physician. See similar questions...

Depending upon your insurance company requirements, you may need to see you Primary Care Doctor (PCP) before you can make an appointment with a specialist for your child. We participate with over 200 different insurance companies. Each insurance company has different requirements on how to obtain specialist care. Some require a referral or a precertification form to be completed (a form that must go to your insurance company to have their approval before a specialist may see you). See similar questions...

Except for in-network gynecological and obstetrical visits for women and routine eye examinations, your PCP must refer you to a plan specialist for a specified number of visits within a specified length of time. If you have a referral and need other treatment by a specialty provider, your PCP must be contacted for a new authorization number. It is the member's responsibility to obtain a referral authorization when required prior to receiving services from a specialty provider. See similar questions...

If your insurance carrier requires that you have a referral to visit our office, it is your responsibility to obtain that referral. Please make sure that all referrals are received by this office before the time of your appointment. Referrals made by the Hand and Upper Extremity Center of Northeast Wisconsin, Ltd. for tests, evaluation, or services to be provided to the patient by other providers are the full financial responsibility of the patient. See similar questions...

For referral requirements, consult your benefit plan booklet or call Customer Service at the number on your ID card. You may choose to check your benefits online. No. Primary care physician selection is specific to each member. Selection must be made from physicians authorized in your particular network. Contact your employer for a list of primary care physicians or go to Provider Directory. Yes. You may change your primary care physician, but your health plan may limit the frequency of changes. See similar questions...

A9. You need your doctor's (General Practitioner ?GP) referral to claim for any type of treatment, not only specialist consultants. Your doctor's recommendation is required for prescriptions, X-rays and lab tests, hospitalization and surgery. A10. Definitely, yes! Sickness and accident happen quite unexpectedly. You never know how much Health Insurance coverage you will need, until you are faced with bills. See similar questions...

The clinicians at RUHS are able to help you take care of the vast majority of medical problems common to college students. Referral to an off-campus provider or specialist will be made when necessary. Depending upon the specialist and whether there is additional outside insurance; this may entail an additional charge. It is important you follow the proper procedure in seeing a specialist. See similar questions...