What Happens If My Doctor Leaves Your Network?

We know the relationship with your doctor is important to your health and well-being. And we do everything we can to make sure you have a great, long-term relationship with your doctor. 

While it doesn’t happen often, occasionally a doctor will leave our network. You might be able to continue seeing that doctor at no additional cost if you qualify for a special exception. Otherwise, you’d be responsible for some or all of the costs. 

Special exceptions for continuing care

You can continue care:

  • For up to 90 days after your doctor notifies you they are leaving the network.
  • Through postpartum care, if you are in the second or third trimester of pregnancy when your doctor leaves the network.   
  • For the rest of your life if you are being treated for a terminal illness before your doctor leaves the network.   

Your doctor must agree to continue treating you, and will need to notify you of this in writing. 

Other options for continuing care

Even if you don’t qualify for a special exception, you can continue seeing your doctor.   

If you have an HMO plan, you’ll be responsible for all costs associated with that doctor. If you have a PPO plan, your costs will depend on your level of out-of-network coverage.   

To check the out-of-network coverage for your plan, log in to your account online or through the Blue Cross mobile app. You can also give us a call. Just use the number on the back of your Blue Cross ID card. 

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