Health insurance is a necessity in our lives but it is also very confusing. There are plenty of options, but knowing what each one offers and why it is best for you can be daunting. Discount medical practice organizations are one of your choices. Here's what you need to know.

What is a DMPO?

A discount medical practice organization, commonly referred to as a DMPO, is a type of healthcare organization that contracts with medical providers to offer discounted rates on medical services to its members.

DMPOs are similar to other types of health insurance, but there are some key differences that you should be aware of before deciding if a DMPO is right for you.

What are the differences between a DMPO and other health insurance?

HMO

The biggest difference between a DMPO and an HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) is that DMPOs do not require you to select a primary care physician. Instead, you are able to choose any medical provider that is a part of the DMPO network. This means that you have more flexibility when it comes to choosing a doctor or specialist that is right for you.

DMPOs also typically have lower monthly premiums than HMOs. However, you may have to pay a higher deductible before your DMPO coverage kicks in.

PPO

Like discount medical practice organizations, PPOs, or preferred provider organizations, also allow you to see any provider that is in their network. However, you will typically pay a higher rate for out-of-network providers. PPOs also typically have higher monthly premiums than DMPOs.

Another key difference between DMPOs and PPOs is that DMPOs typically require you to use generic medications, while PPOs will cover both brand name and generic drugs.

What are the benefits of joining a DMPO?

There are several benefits of joining a discount medical practice organization, including:

• Lower monthly premiums. DMPOs typically have lower monthly premiums than other health insurance options making them more affordable for many people.
• No primary care physician. There is no need to pick a primary care physician when you have a DMPO. This allows you to choose any doctor that you want, which is appealing to many people.
• Generic medications. DMPOs typically require you to use generic medications which can save you money.
• Lower deductibles. While there are plenty of variations between policies, DMPOs may have lower deductibles than other health insurance plans.

If you are in the market for a new health insurance policy this year, consider a discount medical practice organization for your needs. Talk to an insurance specialist today about your options. For more information on a discount medical practice organization, contact a professional near you.