What is required for a patient to utilize services under a PFFS plan?

For a patient to utilize services under a Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) plan, it is essential that the healthcare providers accept the plan's payment terms. This means that the doctors and facilities must agree to the reimbursement rates set by the PFFS plan for services rendered. Unlike other Medicare plans that may require patients to use in-network providers, PFFS plans are distinctive in that they allow patients some flexibility with provider choice as long as those providers accept the plan's payment structure. Therefore, the patient's ability to receive care under a PFFS plan hinges on the willingness of the provider to accept the terms of the payment set forth by the PFFS, enabling a broader range of choices for the patient within the Medicare framework.

The other options relate to other plan types or requirements not specific to PFFS. For example, the requirement to use only in-network providers is characteristic of health maintenance organizations (HMOs), while pre-authorization is usually a feature of managed care plans. Additionally, paying extra premiums for out-of-network services does not apply to PFFS plans, as they typically allow for provider flexibility without such additional costs, assuming the provider accepts the payment terms.