The HMO health insurance policy is one of the most common types of the insurance coverage that is accessible. There are 3 types of the HMO, referred to as models; and those are the following:

1. Staff model
2. Group model
3. Network model

The models are not something that is based upon the exact type of coverage that is provided; rather the model is just the setting in which the treatment will take place.

Staff Model

This model in the HMO coverage has doctors and nurses that are employed directly by the HMO. There is only one location that the insured can go to under this plan in order to receive coverage for their care. There is limitation in the choice of doctors available as they are only able to pick a doctor that is in that particular building. The employees of this model do not provide treatment for anyone that isn’t covered by the HMO plan.

Group Model

This model is not quite as structured. There are group practices which are contracted by the HMO in order for them to giver coverage to the clients of the HMO. The staff is not directly employed by the HMO as in the staff model; however, the group can be one that is started by the HMO though this is not always the case. Unlike the staff model the staff is able to treat patients whether they are part of the HMO or not.

Network Model

Now that you know the other two types of models now we are onto the most common type of model; the network model. Within the network model the HMO will contract with either independent physicians or a group of physicians. By the contracting out to the individuals or groups they are able to receive special rates back in turn for their clients. The staff is not limited to just HMO patients as they are able to treat anyone.

Know the Model

When you are picking your HMO coverage it’s essential that you know what the model that the plan you’re choosing follows. Each coverage plan is going to both its advantages and its disadvantages in which you need to consider before you make a final decision.

While the network model is the most common it’s going to have some disadvantages over the staff or the group model. Within the framework of the network model it requires that very meticulous procedures be followed in order to be able to get needed tests and appointments with a specialist. This type of a process makes both the physician and the patient have to do a significant amount of legwork should something of a complex nature need to be done.

The staff model along with the group model allows the doctors some more flexibility and they will most commonly have more resources accessible to them as everything is done in house.

The staff model and the group model are not without their own complications as well. Though the procedures and paperwork are going to be easier the patients are going to have limitations when it comes to choice. The patient can choose a doctor that they like the best; however, the must remain within the group that they are part of. One of the biggest problems with the staff model is that since the doctors all work together it can be very hard to be able to get a second opinion. You’ll also find that there can much extended periods of time in which to get in for an appointment.