2. Will you refer me only to other physicians in my insurance network, or explain why in advance if you can’t? Many primary care doctors have long-standing relationships with specialists to whom they refer patients—a reflection of trust but also a type of business arrangement. If a doctor is employed by a hospital, there may be extraordinary pressure for him or her to refer patients to that hospital or its medical group. A doctor should take the time to look at your insurance network’s list and pick someone he or she trusts within it.
