Specialty
The provider's training, verified by the Licensing Board in the State where he/she practices. Providers list their specialty on their application to HNE. HNE confirms this information when we verify the provider's license to practice medicine, board certification (see below), and fellowships.

Board Certification
A physician has passed an examination through the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) or the American Osteopathic Association (AOA). Board Certification is not required for a physician to practice medicine. HNE verifies board certification with the ABMS or AOA on an annual basis. To check if a physician is board certified go to http://www.abms.org or http://www.osteopathic.org/

Language
The languages a provider speaks.  Providers report this on their application to HNE. Providers update this every three years. Office staff may not speak the same or other languages as the provider.

Accepting New Patients
Not all providers accept new patients. Providers report if they currently accept new patients to HNE. Since this may change at any time, members should check with the physician's office.

Network Affiliation
HNE's network of participating providers includes hospitals, physicians and health care professionals. Within this large network are smaller groups we call "network affiliations." Your PCP may belong to one of these smaller groups.  He or she may refer you to other participating providers within this smaller group. Although you aren't limited to providers in this group, your PCP may be more likely to use this group when referring you to a specialist.

Hospital Affiliation
If you require hospital care, you may be directed to the hospital(s) listed. Physicians report their hospital affiliations on their initial application to HNE. This information is updated by the physician every two years.

Address
Providers report their office locations on their initial application to HNE. It is up to the provider to notify HNE of any change in office location. Providers confirm this information every two years.

Hospital Accreditation
HNE requires participating hospitals to be accreditted. This means that an independent organization has evaluated the quality and safety of care.  Accreditation agencies conduct thorough on-site reviews. HNE verifies accreditation before contracting with a hospital and every two years thereafter.