A preferred provider organization is a subscription-based medical care arrangement. A membership allows a substantial discount below their regularly charged rates from the designated professionals partnered with the organization. Preferred provider organizations themselves earn money by charging an access fee to the insurance company for the use of their network They negotiate with providers to set fee schedules, and handle disputes between insurers and providers. PPO health insurance plan allows you to see any doctor of your choice, allowing you more control. Visits are most affordable if you stay within the network of physicians that work with your PPO medical plan. PPO plans are able to offer services at a reduced rate because of the increased patient volume brought by the network, meaning that you will only owe a small co-pay. Unlike other types of managed care, you will still receive partial reimbursement if you choose an out-of-network doctor. You will have to shoulder more of the cost than you would if you saw an in-network physician, and you may be required to file claims yourself in order for PPO plans to pay part of the bill.Other features of a preferred provider organization generally include utilization review, where representatives of the insurer or administrator review the records of treatments provided to verify that they are appropriate for the condition being treated rather than largely or solely being performed to increase the amount of reimbursement due.