ENT - ear nose and throat HMO - health maintenance organization. It's a type of insurance where you have to get referrals from someone you designate as your pr

ENT - ear nose and throat HMO - health maintenance organization. It's a type of insurance where you have to get referrals from someone you designate as your primary care provider. PPO - preferred provider organization. Another type of insurance where some providers are "preferred providers" who partner with the insurance company to offer reduced rates. You don't need a referral to see a specialist, but many specialists won't see you without a referral anyway. I have no idea what a "PPO doctor" is, I've never heard of a doctor that only accepts PPOs, that's ridiculous. I guess if a referral is required then the nebulous "they" won't refer you to the "good" ones if you have an HMO?? Except, in practice, you end up at the same handful of providers in your area no matter your insurance. I've had both HMOs and PPOs throughout the years, same shitty doctors on both.