What type of healthcare provider is Sarah associated with after choosing to see a back specialist outside her network?

The correct choice identifies the type of healthcare provider as a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO). A PPO allows patients more flexibility in choosing healthcare providers and specialists. When Sarah decides to see a back specialist outside her network, she is exercising the freedom that PPOs offer to seek care from any provider, although it may come with higher out-of-pocket costs compared to using in-network providers.

PPOs typically provide a platform where individuals can access a wide range of healthcare services without needing a primary care physician's referral. This is contrasted with other plans like Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), which usually require patients to choose a primary care provider and obtain referrals for specialists, limiting out-of-network care. The Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) model also restricts patients to a network for services, and typically, it does not allow for out-of-network care, enhancing the comparison against the flexibility offered by a PPO. In a Point of Service Plan (POS), while there is some flexibility, it often aligns more closely with HMO characteristics, requiring referrals for specialist visits and narrowing options if opting out of the network.

Therefore, the choice of a back specialist outside her network is indicative of the PPO structure, where access to various providers is a notable benefit.