As Jack indicated, this can be complicated. A small bit of advice.....you get what you pay for in many cases. There are relatively inexpensive policies where you have assigned doctors and pay a LOT (or all) if you use anyone not on their "list." I have a friend in Phoenix who took this option and then came to me with her list of available primary care docs. I checked them out online and NOT ONE WAS AN AMERICAN MEDICAL SCHOOL GRADUATE!!.
As a bladder cancer patient ( I assume) you will be facing a lifetime of exams and more. Ask if you could go for a second opinion or treatment at a place such a MD Anderson or Memorial Sloan Kettering? If you must stay "in network" I would pass.
My personal bias is that I will choose my physicians. I always look up their educational background and certifications.
Sometimes they are with one hospital group (ie where I live Providence) or another (OHSU Medical School). I could never be happy having my choice limited. Yes, it does cost more but, to me, it is worth it.
Again, this is my personal opinion.
Sara Anne
