In a PPO, what is one of the main expectations from providers?

In a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), one of the primary expectations from healthcare providers is to offer services at rates that have been negotiated and approved by the insurer. This relationship allows insurers to manage costs for their insured members while ensuring that providers are compensated for their services at agreed-upon rates.

This arrangement not only helps control healthcare expenses for insurance companies but also ensures that members of the PPO have access to a network of providers who have agreed to meet these pricing terms. By providing services at these predetermined rates, providers are incentivized to participate fully in the network, thus offering broader access and potentially better care management for patients.

In contrast, other choices do not reflect standard practices within a PPO. Charging patients directly for all services rendered diverges from the PPO's structure, which typically involves insurance coverage for the services provided. Serving patients from a specific geographic area applies more to localized healthcare plans rather than the broader networked approach seen in PPOs. Limiting patient volumes to maximize individual care does not align with the PPO model, which aims to provide care to a larger patient base while managing overall costs effectively.