Navigating new provider options, a how-to guide.

When you’re changing health plans, it can feel like a big task to transition your health care, prescriptions, or medical supplies. We’re here to help.

This guide includes resources to help you navigate new provider options within your network—and help make the process more manageable. We’ve also included information on an exception program that may let you keep seeing your current health care provider.

Exploring new network provider options.

Surest members have access to the national UnitedHealthcare network of doctors, clinics, and hospitals—one of the largest in the country.

When looking for a new provider, here are two things to consider:

Using an online search tool.

Surest members have the power to shop for health care like they do everything else—online, via an app. The Surest app or website is designed to make it easier to find network providers.

When you open the Surest app or website, you can use the search feature to help you find a provider based on what matters to you—from provider efficiency to the copay amount. You can search, compare, and decide which option works for you. And lower copay prices indicate providers evaluated as high value based on quality, efficiency, and overall effectiveness of care—who may help you feel better, faster.

Read this guide to learn more about using the search tool.

Consulting with Member Services.

Contact Member Services through your account or over the phone at the number on your ID card. They’re here to help.

Pro tip: Confirm your new provider has access to your medical records. If not, have a conversation about how to transfer before your visit. This way, your new provider can review your records prior to your visit or request additional details.

Exception program that may let you stay with your provider.

Transitioning care can be challenging, especially if you have developed a strong relationship with your current provider. There is an exception program that can help you keep your current provider, even if they aren’t part of your new Surest network.

Transition of Care.

If you’ve switched plans and your current provider is not in-network, Transition of Care gives new Surest members the option to request extended coverage when you are in active care due to a specific condition, such as those listed below. You must apply for Transition of Care within a certain time limit set by your policy. This is usually within 30 days after the date your Surest coverage starts. Refer to your policy for details.

Examples of conditions that may qualify for Transition of Care:

• Pregnant and undergoing a course of treatment for pregnancy
• Newly diagnosed or relapsed cancer and currently receiving chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or reconstruction
• Recent major surgeries in the acute phase and follow-up period (generally six to eight weeks after surgery)
• Ongoing mental health treatments

Examples of conditions that do not qualify for Transition of Care:

• Routine exams, vaccinations, and health assessments
• Chronic conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, allergies, asthma, kidney disease, and hypertension that are stable
• Elective scheduled surgeries

This program may help lessen disruptions to your care. Communicating with your provider and health plan can help ensure a seamless transition.

With the resources and support provided by Surest, we hope you can navigate this process more smoothly.

Whether you're exploring new network provider options through our online search tool or consulting with Member Services, we're here to help you every step of the way.

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This content is not medical advice. You should always consult with your health care professional.

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