Skip Navigation LinksHome ~ Members ~ Frequently Asked

Frequently Asked Questions from Members

General Questions

What is Signature Care?

Signature Care is a statewide network of healthcare providers located in Indiana and northwest Ohio that can be accessed through your group health plan. Signature Care is a preferred provider rganization (PPO). When your employer or you choose Signature Care as your PPO network, you receive medical services at a special rate from our contracted providers.

What is the advantage of using a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)?

A PPO is a managed care network that negotiates favorable rates for medical services from selected providers. When you use a Signature Care provider, you save money for yourself and your employer because you are paying your share of contracted rates.

How large is the Signature Care network?

Signature Care includes over 8,500 physicians, healthcare providers and hospitals throughout Indiana and northwest Ohio.

How do I know if a physician or hospital is in the Signature Care network?

The Signature Care Provider Directory can be found on the Signature Care website, www.SignatureCarePPO.com. You can also call a Signature Care customer service representative at 800-666-4449. Spanish-speaking representatives are available.

How do you decide which hospitals and physicians are included in Signature Care?

Only select hospitals and physicians who have met Signature Care's credentialing standards are contracted to participate in the PPO network. Signature Care considers provider nominations based upon business need and credentialing approval.

As a Signature Care member, do I have to use Signature Care hospitals and providers?

You will receive better benefit coverage by using Signature Care "in-network" participating providers. If you use a non-participating ("out-of-network") provider, your benefits will be lower and you will pay a larger portion of the claim cost.

What is the purpose of my group health plan identification card?

Your card provides necessary information regarding your benefit plan to providers. It shows you are a member of Signature Care and allows immediate access to all Signature Care services. Please keep your group identification card with you at all times. Be sure to show it each time you visit a hospital or physician.

How do I find out about my benefits?

Refer to your group health identification card for the telephone number for claims inquiries.

Where do I call to pre-certify a medical procedure or an inpatient hospital stay?

Refer to your group health identification card for the telephone number listed for this purpose.

Credentialing Questions

What is credentialing?

Credentialing, as it applies to Signature Care, is the process of validating the qualifications of health care professionals.

Why are health care professionals credentialed?

Health care professionals are credentialed to confirm that their professional qualifications have been stated correctly. Before health care professionals can become Signature Care providers, their professional qualifications, such as education, training and licensure are verified.

Are all providers credentialed for Signature Care participation?

The following health care professionals who provide care to Signature care members are credentialed: Doctors of Medicine (MD); Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DO); Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPM.); Doctors of Chiropractic (DC); Doctors of Dental Surgery (DDS); Nurse Practitioners (NP); Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS); Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM); Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA); Psychologists (PsyD, PhD, EdD in Clinical Psychology); Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC); Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).

What information is verified when a health care professional is credentialed?

Verifications are appropriate for certain specialties and include all or some of the following: education, training, experience, competence, board certification, professional license(s), malpractice insurance and, if applicable, hospital affiliation and authorization to prescribe medication.

Claims Questions

Will I have to pay anything at the time medical services are provided?

If co-payments are required under your benefit plan, please remember that these amounts are to be paid to the provider at the time you receive the services. In addition, if any deductibles or co-insurance amounts will apply, the provider may require payment at the time of service.

Where do I call with questions about my claim?

For questions about your medical claim, please call the claims telephone number shown on your group health identification card.

How do I find the insurance company or third party administrator for my plan?

Refer to your group health identification card for the telephone number listed for claims inquiries. If you are still uncertain, please contact Signature Care's customer service at 260-373-9100 or toll-free at 1-800-666-4449, ext. 39100.