A network provider is a company that owns, operates, and sells access to internet backbone infrastructure and services. They are also known as backbone providers and their primary customers are other service providers, including internet service providers (ISPs), which sell internet access to businesses and consumers. Network providers may also refer to telecommunications companies, data carriers, wireless communications providers, internet service providers, and cable television operators offering internet access.
In the context of health insurance, a provider network is a group of physicians, other healthcare providers, and hospitals that a plan contracts with to provide medical care to its members. These providers are called "network providers" or "in-network providers". A provider that is not contracted with the plan is called an "out-of-network provider". Network providers have agreed to offer benefits or services to the plans members at prices that the provider and the plan agreed on. If a plan requires or prefers the use of in-network healthcare providers, it means that the plans members should use the providers in the plans network to receive medical care.
