How Do Members Get Steered Toward Preferred Providers?

Self Fund Health combines people and technology to guide members toward Preferred Providers—the doctors and facilities that deliver care at high quality and fair prices.

Here’s how steerage works:

1. Direct Primary Care (DPC) Physicians – As the member’s first point of contact, DPC doctors guide referrals to specialists, imaging centers, and surgery sites that are designated as Preferred Providers.
2. Nurse Navigators – Our nurses monitor upcoming care (surgeries, imaging, infusion therapy, high-cost prescriptions) and reach out to members to explain options and coordinate with providers.
3. Technology Alerts – Our system flags high-cost events in real time (e.g., an MRI scheduled at a hospital for $5,000) and intervenes with lower-cost alternatives (e.g., a Preferred Provider MRI for $500 at $0 member cost).
4. Plan Design Incentives – Members pay $0 when they choose a Preferred Provider, while hospital-based care may apply to their deductible or out-of-pocket costs.

Key takeaway: Members are steered toward Preferred Providers through a mix of DPC guidance, nurse outreach, real-time technology, and plan incentives—ensuring care is both high quality and significantly less expensive.