How to Find a Doctor or Provider in Illinois

Choosing the right doctor is a personal choice based on your health care needs, health plan network, who's close to home and what's important to you when choosing a doctor. Keep these things in mind when you're choosing where to go for care:

• What are your symptoms and their severity? If you need care now, think about how severe your symptoms are. A primary care provider, telehealth or urgent care center can help with non-emergency care. ERs should only be used in life-threatening instances. Learn how to choose a health care option.
• Who does your health insurance plan cover? When you choose a doctor who's in your network, it can help you save on out-of-pocket costs.
• How far do you expect to travel? Most people prefer to get care close to home or close to work. Make sure to check how far away your preferred doctor is.
• Do you want a doctor who speaks a language aside from English? Check that your doctor speaks your preferred language.
• Are you looking for a doctor with specific areas of expertise or who offers certain services? From a focus on treating certain ages, like pediatric or geriatric care, to areas of expertise, like chronic illnesses or behavioral support, consider if your doctor's prepared to meet your care needs.

Our Provider Finder search tool makes it quick and easy to check that your doctor checks all the boxes. Search by your plan type and ZIP code and filter based on services offered, specialty and spoken languages. Get started searching.

It depends on the type of health insurance plan you have:

• HMO or POS: If you have a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) or Point of Service (POS) health care plan, you can't use out-of-network doctors and still have coverage. If you go to a doctor not covered by your plan, you'll likely need to pay for the full cost of the service.
• PPO or CDHP: If you have a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) or Consumer-Driven Health Plan (CDHP), you're able to get out-of-network care. You may just end up paying for more of the cost yourself.

Learn more about the different health plan types.

If your doctor's not in your network, you have a few choices:

• If you want to keep your current doctor: You can continue visiting your current doctor but expect to pay more out of pocket.
• If you want to switch doctors: You can search for a new doctor who's part of your plan's network.
• If you want to switch plans: If you're able to switch health insurance plans because you went through a big life event or now qualify for Medicare or Medicaid, you can choose coverage that covers your preferred doctor.

There are a few instances you can keep your doctor, even if they're out of network, and still have your care covered. This is called "continuity of care." If you're pregnant, are going through certain treatments or have certain diagnoses, you might be eligible for continuity of care.

Once you find an in-network doctor you want to visit, reach out to their office to schedule an appointment. Most offices take appointments over the phone or online. To prepare for your appointment, you should:

• Have your insurance card handy: Your doctor's office will likely want to see your insurance card to confirm your coverage and add it to your records.
• Double check coverage and referral needs: Sometimes, networks change. It's important to confirm if your doctor's covered and, if you have an HMO or POS plan, if you need a referral for an appointment.
• Ask about expected costs: You may need to pay a copay for your visit. Your doctor's office can help you understand what you might owe.
• Discuss any symptoms or health concerns: Make sure to share any new health concerns you might have or talk through the reason for the visit.