Going to the doctor usually doesn’t allow for casual small talk as you may only see them once a year. Often, you must explain your ailment quickly and succinctly, trusting that your doctor has your best interests at heart and keeps your health information confidential—all this while dealing with the vulnerable nature of discussing health issues that may be uncomfortable. Having a good relationship with your doctor can alleviate all these issues and even increase the quality of your healthcare.

But what if you finally have a good relationship with a doctor you like and find out they are no longer in your health insurance network? Now what?

Why Doctors Leave Health Insurance Networks

First, let’s examine why doctors leave health insurance networks. Usually, doctors leave health insurance networks for typical reasons, such as retirement or if they move geographic locations. They are professionals, after all, and just as you probably have had to move for a new job, they do the same. Sometimes, there are other, more technical reasons, such as the doctor being unhappy with how the health insurance network conducts business.

You’ll most likely be warned ahead of time if your doctor is leaving your network, so you have time to plan. However, neither your doctor nor your health insurance provider is legally obligated to inform you if your doctor is no longer in your network. Unfortunately, a surprise increase in medical bills is all too common and can leave you financially crippled for years. This is why it is so important to call your doctor’s office during open enrollment each year and verify they will still accept your insurance plan.

What to do if Your Doctor Leaves

If your doctor leaves your network, you may have continuity of care protection, which enables you to retain the same level of care from your doctor for the same copays and fees temporarily. If you are a senior who participates in a Medicare Advantage plan, you have the option to leave your health care network if your doctor does and if the network change is “considered significant based on the [effect] or potential to affect current plan enrollees” according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services guidebook. If you are currently covered under a private plan and are considering switching, call your doctor’s office and ensure they are covered under the new plan you are considering.

What if you can’t switch plans? Often, doctors will allow you to pay cash for your visits. You may be able to negotiate a reasonable cash price with your doctor because they won’t have to bill your insurance, which would save them time and administrative costs. If your doctor’s cash price is relatively high, it may still be worth it to maintain continuity of care.

Other Options

If the previous options are out of the question for you, the next best thing to do is just to ask your doctor if they have any referrals. After all, your doctor will know your situation best and can refer someone else who will be a good fit for you.

Having a doctor you like and trust can be such a relief, and it’s always an unfortunate circumstance when your health insurance network no longer covers that doctor. Fortunately, there are ways you can plan for this and methods to make a smooth transition to a new doctor.