If you're looking to save hundreds or even thousands of dollars in healthcare costs, then keep reading. Here are two simple tips to save you money, time, and stress.
Tip #1 &ndash; See a doctor in your health plan&rsquo;s network
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ) works with doctors and other healthcare providers to help you get the best healthcare possible. Those doctors and providers are part of specific networks.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Some health plans require their members to be seen by doctors in their plan&rsquo;s network (unless it&rsquo;s an emergency). You&rsquo;ll pay a lot more if you get care from a doctor who is not in your health plan&rsquo;s network. Just because a doctor accepts BCBSAZ insurance, that doesn&rsquo;t mean he or she is in your specific health plan&rsquo;s network. This is very important to remember!
Ask your doctor or specialist, &ldquo;Are you in my health plan&rsquo;s network?&rdquo; This will help you to avoid paying higher-than-expected charges. Not sure of the name of your health plan? Just look at your member ID card. The name of your specific health plan is printed on the front.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Tip #2 &ndash; Know before you go
You have options when shopping online for clothes, music, and products for your home. Did you know that you also have many options when it comes to looking online for a primary care provider (PCP)? Choosing a healthcare provider that is in your plan&rsquo;s network is simple if you know where to look.&nbsp;
Go to <a href="https://www.azblue.com/account-management/bluenet-online" target="_blank">azblue.com/myblue</a> and log in. You can search for doctors, hospitals, labs, and other healthcare professionals. Use the Find a Doctor tool to see which doctors are in your plan&rsquo;s network. You can also read patient reviews and see quality ratings.&nbsp; &nbsp;
While you&rsquo;re there, you can explore treatment options for common conditions&mdash;like carpal tunnel syndrome or knee pain. You can also use the Cost Estimator tool to estimate the costs for care treatments. By taking these steps, you&rsquo;ll get a better idea of how much care costs before you visit a doctor.&nbsp;
These simple tips and tools will help you to understand how much your care will cost&mdash;and avoid the high cost of seeing a doctor who is not in your plan&rsquo;s network.

Two simple tips to save your healthcare dollars

If you're looking to save hundreds or even thousands of dollars in healthcare costs, then keep reading. Here are two simple tips to save you money, time, and stress.