Better medical group: Advocate or North Shore? (health, best)

[WildSpark]

I'm on Blue Cross PPO Preferred Choice. After many conversations with Blue Cross, I discovered I'm very limited as far as doctors. Had a second consultation, cash pay, with a renowned Dr in the Advocate network. However, there's another doctor in another specialty with North Shore. I'm eligible for another HMO plan that let's me switch in between Advocate and North Shore (at least once a month). Currently switched to just an Advocate plan, looking to possibly switch again before enrollment ends.

What do you think is the better health group overall - North Shore or Advocate?

[deeman7]

There are a number of HMO IPAs for Advocate. Each one us usually centered around a hospital, like Advocate Lutheran General Group for example. So, you should choose the one that has the best doctor for you. Each of those systems are great, but individual doctors vary of course.

[Hiruko]

NorthShore and Advocate are equivalent community health systems. They were actually in the process of merging in 2017 when a judge ruled in favor of the FTC which had complained that the merger would be monopolistic. BCBSIL Blue Choice Preferred PPO does have a limited network. However, you do have good access to some quality health systems and doctors including AMITA.

[WildSpark]

Originally Posted by Hiruko

NorthShore and Advocate are equivalent community health systems. They were actually in the process of merging in 2017 when a judge ruled in favor of the FTC which had complained that the merger would be monopolistic. BCBSIL Blue Choice Preferred PPO does have a limited network. However, you do have good access to some quality health systems and doctors including AMITA.

Thank you for your response. What is AMITA?

[BOBNCHI]

Amita is another health network which includes Alexian Brothers.

https://www.amitahealth.org/