Insurance and billing
In-network
Also called preferred provider, participating provider
A dental office that has a contract with an insurer to accept its negotiated fees.
An in-network provider has signed an agreement with an insurance company to see its members at agreed fees. In return, the office usually cannot bill the patient for the part of the fee above the plan's allowed amount. The patient typically pays less than at an out-of-network office. Staff should know which plans the office is in network with and tell new patients up front.
Example at the front desk
We are in network with that plan, so there will be no balance above the allowed amount.