Which type of insurance allows a patient to see a specialist without a referral?

A PPO, or Preferred Provider Organization, is structured to give patients the flexibility to see specialists without requiring a referral from a primary care physician. This aspect of PPOs is a significant advantage for patients who prefer a more direct approach to accessing specialty care. Under a PPO plan, patients can visit any healthcare provider, though they will incur lower out-of-pocket costs if they use providers that are part of the plan's network. This level of autonomy in choosing healthcare providers is a key characteristic that distinguishes PPOs from other types of insurance.

In contrast, HMOs (Health Maintenance Organizations) typically require patients to receive a referral from their primary care physician before consulting a specialist, making the process more structured. EPOs (Exclusive Provider Organizations) also have network restrictions but may or may not require referrals, depending on the specific plan. Medicare, being a federal health insurance program predominantly for those 65 and older, does not inherently have a referral requirement but operates differently than these private insurance plans.

Therefore, the option indicating that a PPO allows direct access to specialists without a referral is correct and highlights the flexibility and autonomy patients have in managing their healthcare.