Copayment (or copay) is a fixed-dollar amount that you pay each time for certain services. Most commonly, you will be responsible for a copayment each time you have a doctor's visit and for each prescription medication you fill. For example, with my health insurance, I pay a $15 copayment for each primary care physician visit, $25 copayment for a specialist visit, and $20 for each brand-name prescription. Copayments are most often used in HMOs and for services you receive from a network provider in a PPO.
Coinsurance is a per cent of the cost of your care. You are responsible for paying the co-insurance amount. For example, if a doctor's visit is $100 and you have a 20% coinsurance, you will pay the doctor $20 and your health plan will pay the doctor $80. Coinsurance is often used when you get services from an out-of-network provider in a PPO. This can be quite costly, especially if you use an out-of-network hospital for a surgical procedure.
Deductible is a fixed amou nt of money you have to pay before most, if not all, of the policy's benefits can be enjoyed. However, in many health insurance policies, you can use some services, like a visit to the emergency room or a routine doctor's visit, without meeting the deductible first. These services will vary with each type of plan. A deductible amount is calculated yearly, so you have to meet a new deductible for each year of the policy. Before you meet this amount, you are required to pay for health care. Once you meet this deductible, however, the health insurance benefits kick in, and you're then responsible only for paying monthly premiums and coinsurance if applicable. Deductible amounts vary by plan and can be separated into individual or family deductibles. In general, a family deductible is double an individual deductible, but it can include several members of a family.
Anesthesiologist is a physician (medical doctor) that has specialized in anesthesia, perioperative care, critical care and pain management. This involves a four year residency after medical school. Subspecialization in cardiac anesthesia, pediatric anesthesia, critical care and chronic pain management require a further one to two year fellowship.
CRNA is a Certified Nurse Anesthetist. CRNA's are RN 's that further their studies in anesthesia administration. Currently that involves a Masters degree in nursing, obtained in an acredited Nurse Anesthesia program.