Out-of-network and self-pay preferences
Most patients are looking for in-network coverage on Zocdoc. Should they choose to book with an out-of-network provider, we make sure they know they’re out-of-network and what that means for them. For practices that don’t take insurance or want additional control over the types of bookings they get, you can update your practice’s out of network and self-pay settings to specify whether you accept in-network, out-of-network, or self-pay bookings on Zocdoc.
How to access your settings
To update your practice’s settings, go to your practice’s Insurance Settings by selecting Your Name, then Settings, and, finally, the Insurance tab. Select Out of network and self-pay.
You’ll see three settings options:
Show insurances on my providers’ profiles: Accept bookings from patients who are searching with insurance plans that the provider is in-network with. Uncheck this if you are not contracted with any insurances or don’t want to list them on your providers’ profiles.
Accept out-of-network bookings: Accept bookings from patients who are searching with insurance plans that the provider is not in-network with, and may be able to receive out-of-network benefits from the patient’s insurance carrier.
Accept self-pay bookings: Accept bookings from patients who choose to self-pay and are not searching with any insurance.
What do patients see?
If a patient is booking with insurance, they are required to share their insurance carrier and plan. Before they book, patients will see whether a provider is in-network, out-of-network, or self-pay only.
If you accept in-network, out-of-network, and self-pay bookings:
Patients searching with an insurance you’re in-network with will see that you are in-network.
Patients searching without an insurance will be prompted to add their insurance to see if you’re in-network.
Patients searching with an insurance you’re not in-network with will see that you’re out-of-network, and that they might have a higher co-pay or be responsible for the full cost of their visit.
If you only accept in-network and self-pay bookings:
Patients searching with an insurance you’re not in-network with will see that you’re out-of-network and require self-payment.
If you only accept in-network bookings:
Patients searching with an insurance you’re not in-network with will not see you in search results.
Patients searching without an insurance will be prompted to add their insurance to see if you’re in-network. If you’re not in-network with their insurance, they will be unable to book with you.
If you only accept self-pay bookings:
All patients, regardless of whether they’re searching with insurance or not, will be informed that you only accept self-payment.
Tip: For the best results on Zocdoc, make sure your insurance settings are comprehensive, accurate, and up-to-date. See our best practices guide.