Q: What is a PPO and how does it differ from an HMO?

A: PPO stands for Preferred Provider Organization which consists of a group of health care professionals who provide care to a specified group of patients. Patients in a PPO typically have greater choice in selecting care providers than they would have in an HMO. Unlike most HMOs, the patient often has the right to obtain services outside of the list of providers, but the patient may pay a higher fee.