Finding providers that are right for you, and maybe saving some money in the process

Maybe you've moved.  Maybe your doctor has retired.  Maybe you're new to an insurance plan.  Whatever the case may be, it's time to find a new doctor.  I'm sure most of us agree that this can be a nerve-wracking experience.  How many of us have used our insurance plan's search feature, found the closest person to our house, and then never gone?  How many of us never actually found a new doctor?

So, where do start?  Here are a few things to consider:

• Ask your family and friends: You're looking for a podiatrist.  Remember when Aunt Jane had that foot problem a few years ago? She's the perfect person to ask. If she raves about the provider, maybe you should check them out.  If she had a less than pleasant experience, at least there's one provider you should avoid.
• Read some reviews: While reviews should be taken with a grain of salt, they can be helpful in providing some insight. Sites like Vitals.com, RateMDs.com, and HealthGrades.com can help you narrow your search.  
• Think about what's most important to you: Even if you are simply using the Provider Finder Tool in the Blue Access for Members portal, think about your needs.  Do you need someone who has evening or weekend hours?  How about their hospital affiliations? What about their practice in general; are there a lot of other providers or just a handful?

Now what if you're looking for a specialist, or need a specific service, and have no idea where to start?  That's where Benefits Value Advisor can be a huge help. 

For example, what if your doctor says you need an MRI? They recommend going a to the MRI room a few offices, you do but can't get in for the scan that day, and aren't looking forward to going back because it's either a little out of your way, or close to home but going another day will mean taking another morning off of work.  Is there somewhere close to work so you can go over a lunch hour? 

Simply connect to a Benefits Value Advisor by calling the number on the back of your Blue Cross Blue Shield ID card, and they can provide a list of providers and locations.  They can even tell you which providers will cost less (same level of care, but at a lower cost) and get you in touch with Member Rewards, a program that will provide a cash incentive if you do go to a lower cost provider.  What a win!

While finding a provider can be daunting, help is out there. For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield options, and the Benefits Value Advisor and Member Rewards programs, log in to your MyIIT portal, and visit the HR Portal Health benefits page.     

Written by: Viktoria Rill
Sources:
BCBS LifeTimes article https://lifetimes.bcbsil.com/article/good_fit_doctor
WebMD How to Use Online Ratings for a Doctor https://www.webmd.com/health-insurance/using-doctor-ratings-sites#2-3