At the Enrollment Center, we get asked a lot about networks from people wanting to understand their plans. There are a lot of assumptions about networks and this is intended to dispel some of those assumptions.
If you want assistance then let us know. It costs nothing to work with us.
Domestic medical tourism refers to the practice where individuals travel within their own country to access medical treatments or healthcare services that are not available or are of a different quality or more affordable in another region or city within the United States. This can include a wide range of medical services, from major surgeries and specialized treatments to elective procedures and wellness services.
Key aspects of domestic medical tourism include:
- Accessibility of Specialized Care: Patients might travel to another part of the country to access specialized medical expertise and advanced treatment options that are not available in their local area.
- Avoiding Long Wait Times: In countries where healthcare systems face high demand, patients may face long wait times for certain procedures. Traveling to another region where the wait times are shorter can be an appealing option.
- Combining Treatment with Leisure: Some patients might combine their medical treatment with leisure activities, turning their medical trip into a more pleasant experience. This is particularly common in areas known for their natural beauty, cultural significance, or relaxation facilities.
- Quality of Care: Patients may perceive healthcare providers in certain cities or regions as being of higher quality than those available locally, prompting them to travel domestically for treatment.
Domestic medical tourism is influenced by factors such as the availability of healthcare services, the cost of care, the quality of facilities, and the reputation of medical practitioners in different regions of a country.
Domestic medical tourism has forced insurance companies to limit their networks to reduce provider costs. There has been a shift from the individual marketplace from Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans to Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) to Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO).
Every year during early summer, people have the right to make comments on the health plans during the public comment part of the plans.
It takes providers and insurance companies working together to build networks. Some options in Central Washington for Individual plans.
On our state’s exchange the Washington Healthplanfinder.
Want help in picking a plan? Here you go.
Coordinated Care Corporation/ Ambetter
Ambetter for 2024 Network. For a current list of network providers then please go to guide.ambetterhealth.com.
Networks in Washington State
Community Health Plan of Washington
In Wenatchee, the most popular clinic is Columbia Valley Community Health Service (CVCH) however there are over 21 Community Health Centers operating 200 Primary Clinics and over 70 Hospitals operating in the Community Health Plan of Washington‘s network.
Family Health Centers in Okanogan and Douglas Counties
Moses Lake Community Health Center in Moses Lake
New Health in Ferry, Pend Oreille, Spokane and Stevens Counties
Yakima Neighborhood Health Services and Yakima Valley Farm Workers in Yakima
Lifewise Health Plan of Washington
Lifewise has a variety of different levels, especially pay attention to the Cascade and Cascade Select plans as not every doctor is contracted with every Lifewise Network.
One of the Big advantages to Lifewise is the exclusive access to the Kinwell Clinics located throughout Washington State.
While domestic medical tourism has played a role in reshaping the Washington State Insurance and provider networks, we do have the ability with the three plans to travel to different parts of the state and still be with in network.
Please double check coverage prior to selecting a plan and prior to medical procedures as networks can shift with contracts.
Topics: Healthplanfinder, Washington, Coordinated Care, Community Health, Lifewise, HMO, PPO, Medical Tourism, Hospital Networks,
