Accessing Health Services and Insurance Plans

Flashcards covering key healthcare terminology, facility types, privacy rights (HIPPA), and health insurance plan comparisons (HMO, PPO, EPO).

Primary Care Physicians (PCPs)

Doctors who provide primary care and perform routine checkups, screenings, treatments, prescriptions, and preventive health services.

Specialists

Doctors who have special training and experience in specific areas of medicine.

Inpatient Facilities

Places where patients reside and receive comprehensive healthcare services, such as hospitals, nursing homes, or rehabilitation facilities.

Outpatient Facilities

Places where patients receive care without needing to stay in a facility, such as doctors' offices, clinics, and urgent care centers.

HIPPA

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act; requires patient consent before a doctor shares health information with another healthcare provider.

Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)

A type of insurance plan with a smaller, regionally based network (usually within 45 miles) and managed care, requiring patients to go through a primary doctor or medical group.

Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)

A type of insurance plan offering a larger statewide network, flexible care decisions made with a doctor, limited out-of-network coverage, and generally higher cost.

Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO)

A type of insurance plan with a larger statewide network and flexible care decisions, but with no out-of-network coverage except in emergencies.

HMO vs PPO vs EPO Plan Comparison Chart

A comparative diagram breaking down network size, regional vs. statewide reach, out-of-network coverage options, and care flexibility across HMO, PPO, and EPO plan types.