Medicare Glossary

Network

The doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, and other health care providers that have contracted with a health plan to provide services to members at negotiated rates. Medicare Advantage and Medigap SELECT plans have networks; Original Medicare does not.

Also known as: Provider network, In-network

Referral

A written order from your primary care provider authorizing you to see a specialist or get certain health care services. HMO-type Medicare Advantage plans typically require referrals; PPOs and Original Medicare do not.