[Chode]

after rereading you first post, i see missread it the first time through to mean if a doc doesn't accept YOUR ins, not doesn't accept ins at all... in which case you are right

my bad, there was another thread about people having ins but having a hard time finding doc's that take it

You said — something I don’t follow about paying for insurance but then not using it, which has nothing to do with the train of the conversation as far as I can see.

i guess my point there was i don't think i know anybody that doesn't have ins, so going to a doc that doesn't take ins seems like paying twice, once for ins that other docs will take to goto a doc that doesn't take ins/or your regular PCP goes to not taking ins, but if you think the doc is worth it, then he IS worth it... it's your health on the line and all

[Still Thinking]

Actually, let me rephrase my original post. I may not have been clear. Assuming that you have insurance, and that it is not network-only, then even if you go to a doctor who accepts no insurance at all, he will give you a receipt once you pay him and you can go through the hassle of collecting from your insurance to pay for some or all of his bill. That’s what I was trying to say. That the doctor policy, no matter what it is, doesn’t stop you from getting reimbursed by your insurance, supposing your plan covers doctors not pre-affiliated and that you’re willing to do the legwork. Ergo, there is no paying twice. There, hope that’s clear.