30544 HWY 200-Suite 102 Ponderay, ID 83852
208-265-9817

Frequently Asked Questions

Insurance Questions

What is a preferred provider?

Most individual insurance companies are members of a large insurance group made up of multiple insurance companies.

A “preferred provider” is contracted with your insurance company or your insurance group. Your out-of-pocket expenses will typically be lower with a preferred provider.

Is North Idaho Orthopedics and Sports Medicine (NIOSM) a preferred provider for my insurance?

Because we participate with multiple groups, NIOSM is a Preferred Provider for most insurance plans.

We are a preferred provider for Medicare and Idaho Medicaid. You will know we are a preferred provider

 If you are NOT a preferred provider, will you accept my insurance?

Even if we are not a preferred provider, your insurance company may pay a portion of the cost. Only your insurance company can tell you what portion they will pay.

What is a PCP?

A PCP is your Primary Care Provider (Physician) – your family medicine doctor. The name of your PCP appears on your insurance card.

What is a Referral?

A referral is a process of informing the insurance company when you require care that your Primary Care Provider (PCP) is unable to provide (a specialist for example). Some insurances require you ask for permission before seeing a specialist.


Blue Cross Hometown North

If you have Blue Cross Hometown North please verify your eligibility requirements with their customer service department.

For more information from Blue Cross of Idaho, click here.


New Patient Paperwork