Q&A FOR PROVIDERS

1. What is FPN?
2. Is FPN an insurance company?
3. Is FPN national?
4. What are the advantages of being a provider on the FPN network?
5. How do I know if FPN has providers in my area?
6. Can I nominate a provider, facility or group to be added to the FPN network?
7. How long does it take to become an FPN provider?
8. Does FPN accept any applying Provider?
9. Can I submit claims to FPN?
10. How can I learn more about FPN?
11. What does it cost to join FPN?
12. If I am having difficulty collecting payment on a claim, will FPN assist me with this situation?

1. What is FPN?: Ų Fortified Provider Network, Inc. is a Preferred Provider Organization that contracts with physicians, hospitals, ancillary facilities and other health care providers to form a preferred provider network that is accessed and utilized by FPN's payor clients and their members. Per FPN's contractual agreements with its providers, these providers have agreed to furnish their services at discounted rates to the members of FPN's payor clients.
2. Is FPN an insurance company?: FPN is neither an insurance company nor a health plan. FPN also does not function as a claims administrator. FPN simply offers the utilization of its network to its payor clients and members, who in turn are able to capitalize on the discounted fee schedules that FPN has negotiated with its Providers.
3. Is FPN national?: Yes. FPN has providers in 48 states, representing access to approximately 1.5 million lives across the nation. FPN is not nearly as large as many of the household name preferred provider networks, but is undergoing a major expansion effort nationally and expects to quadruple its provider and payor base during the course of 2003.
4. What are the advantages of being a provider on the FPN network?: Due to FPN not being as large as other networks, FPN offers the opportunity to be part of a more exclusive panel of "preferred" providers. FPN does not contract with every doctor in a geographic area. Additionally, FPN has various steering mechanisms to send business your way. FPN's discounted fee schedules are also well balanced, structured to be attractive to both payors and providers alike. Aside from a nominal, one-time fee to join the FPN network, there are no other administrative costs to providers to remain a part of the FPN network. Lastly, due to FPN's efficient internal operations, our provider relations department will give unrivaled service to our panel of preferred providers.
5. How do I know if FPN has providers in my area?: By utilizing the "Find a Provider" functionality contained within this website, one can find FPN providers in their area.
6. Can I nominate a provider, facility or group to be added to the FPN network?: Yes, FPN gladly accepts and acts upon all provider nominations that are submitted. These nominations provide an avenue whereby FPN can better meet the needs of its payor clients and their members. FPN's focus is to continually provide the payor and member communities with access to the providers of their choice. The simplest way to nominate a provider or facility is to utilize the "Nominate a Provider", "Nominate a Facility" or "Nominate a Group" functionalities contained within this website. These nominations can also be emailed or called into FPN's provider relations department as well.
7. How long does it take to become an FPN provider?: Due to our efficient infrastructure and streamlined processes, we seek to complete our application and credentialing processes within a 30 - 60 day timeframe.
8. Does FPN accept any applying Provider?: No, FPN will not add a provider to its directory if the provider's qualifications and record do not demonstrate a high standard of care and/or if our credentialing standards are not met.
9. Can I submit claims to FPN?: No, FPN is not a claims administrator. Please note the ID card for the claims submission address.
10. How can I learn more about FPN?: The best way to learn about FPN is by reviewing this website. However, our staff would be glad to answer any further questions you have via email or upon you calling our corporate office at (480) 607-0222.
11. What does it cost to join FPN?: FPN generally charges a nominal one-time fee to become a Provider with FPN (this fee varies by provider type). This fee is utilized to offset administrative costs associated with the application and credentialing processes. Currently, FPN charges a one-time fee of $85.00 for doctors, a one-time fee of $185.00 for ancillary facilities, and there is no charge for hospitals.
12. If I am having difficulty collecting payment on a claim, will FPN assist me with this situation?: Yes, FPN will work diligently with both the provider and payor to resolve any payment issues.