Insurance and network
Out-of-network
Out-of-network describes a dentist who has no contract with a plan, so the plan's fee agreements do not apply to that dentist.
An out-of-network dentist has not signed a contract with the patient's plan. HealthCare.gov explains that, under a PPO, members can use providers outside the network for an additional cost.
The plan may pay less, or pay on a different basis, so the patient may owe more. Rules differ by plan and by state.
A practice can choose to be out-of-network, and some do. The trade-offs involve fees, patient volume and paperwork. Compare with in-network. See also dental PPO and PPO participation.