Difference between a PPO and a POS
Particulars |
Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) |
Point of Service (POS) |
---|---|---|
Primary Care Provider (PCP) Requirement |
Does not require a PCP for initial contact or referrals to specialists. |
Requires a dedicated PCP for initial contact and referrals to specialists, except for OB-GYN visits, where employees may bypass the PCP. |
Cost |
Generally more expensive due to higher flexibility and out-of-network coverage. |
Typically lower premiums as they offer fewer options and may have lower out-of-pocket costs for in-network care. |
In-Network Requirement |
Allows patients to see both in-network and out-of-network providers without referrals. |
Often requires in-network care, with the possibility of out-of-network care, but may need a referral from the PCP. |
Referrals to Other Providers |
No requirement for referrals to see specialists. |
Typically requires referrals from the PCP to see specialists, except for certain cases like OB-GYN visits. |