Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)

A type of health plan that contracts with health care providers, including doctors, clinics and hospitals, to create a network of participating providers. With a PPO, you have the flexibility to schedule an appointment with any provider you want, inside or outside of your network, without a  referral referral
The process and related documentation that is required when your provider sends you to receive services from another provider, typically in another area of expertise.
. You will pay less if you use providers that are in the plan's network.