There are several types of insurance plans, each with its own implications for nursing care:
Health Maintenance Organization (HMO): These plans require patients to choose a primary care physician and get referrals for specialist care, which can limit patient choices but often results in lower out-of-pocket costs. Preferred Provider Organization (PPO): These plans offer more flexibility in choosing healthcare providers and specialists without referrals, though at higher costs. Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO): These plans cover services only if the providers are in-network, except in emergencies. Point of Service (POS): These plans are a hybrid of HMO and PPO, requiring referrals for specialists but allowing out-of-network care at a higher cost.