How does a PPO differ from an HMO?
A. A PPO differs primarily from an HMO in that the patient has the ability to go to any doctor for their treatment. They do not need referrals to see specialists. When they go to a PPO provider, they receive a higher benefit, than when they go to a non-network provider. With an HMO, the member/patient must go to a Primary Care Physician (PCP) first, and then be referred to a specialist. They can only see providers that are within the HMO.
