Accepted insurance payers

We work with many insurance plans across West Tennessee. This page lists commonly accepted payers in plain language and explains how coverage is checked.

Benefits, referral rules and participation can change, so a quick call before your visit is always worth it. Cost should not delay kidney care: if you do not see your plan, call and our team will check it with you before you schedule.

Call the main line (731) 300-6155or see the payer list
We verify benefits
Before or around your visit, our team may review your insurance information to check plan participation, referral needs, specialist benefits, and prior authorization rules. Verification helps reduce surprises, but it is not a guarantee of payment because each insurance plan makes its own final decision.
You bring four things
Your current insurance card and photo ID; any referral paperwork your plan or primary care office gave you; recent lab results, imaging, hospital papers, or kidney-related records if you have them; and a list of medicines, vitamins, supplements, and pharmacy information.
Some services need approval
Prior authorization means your insurance plan wants to review a service before it is covered. This may apply to certain medicines, tests, procedures, or referrals. When authorization is needed, we will explain what information is required and what steps may come next.

Commonly accepted payers

This list is for general guidance. Please call (731) 300-6155 to verify your current coverage before your appointment.

Medicare
  • Tennessee Medicare
  • Palmetto GBA
  • Cigna Medicare
  • Humana (Medicare)
Medicaid
  • TennCare Medicaid
  • MO Medicaid
  • Amerigroup
  • Ambetter Health
Commercial
  • Aetna
  • BCBS Tennessee
  • Cigna Healthspring
  • United Healthcare
  • WellCare
  • Tricare
Government
  • VA Care
Please call to verify coverageInsurance participation, referral requirements, and prior authorization rules can vary by plan and employer group. This page is educational and is not a guarantee of coverage, payment, referral approval, or authorization approval. Your insurance plan makes final benefit and payment decisions.

Notes by plan type

Two cards with the same company name can carry different rules. These are the differences people most often run into.

Medicare
Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans can have different networks, copays, and authorization rules. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, please bring that card in addition to any Medicare information you have.
TennCare and Medicaid
TennCare and Medicaid plans may have referral, network, or authorization rules. Bring your current card and any paperwork from your primary care provider so our team can review what may be needed.
Employer and private plans
Commercial plans can vary by employer group even when the insurance company name is the same. Your plan may have a deductible, specialist copay, coinsurance, or referral requirement.

Coverage questions that reduce surprises

Insurance rules can be different even when two cards show the same company name. Patients in Jackson, Dyersburg, Union City, Covington, and surrounding West Tennessee communities can use this checklist before kidney care visits when appropriate.

  • Confirm whether your plan needs a primary care referral before a nephrology visit.
  • Ask your insurance company whether The Kidney Experts is in network for your specific plan.
  • Check specialist copay, deductible, coinsurance, and prior authorization rules before scheduling tests when possible.
  • Bring your current insurance card, photo ID, medication list, and recent kidney records to the visit.

Plan your next step

Our team can help with practice-related questions, but your insurance company confirms exact benefits. Start with contact, find a clinic on the locations page, or start a referral yourself. You can send one now even if you are still checking coverage. Some insurance plans may require a physician referral before a specialist visit, and many do not; our staff will help you sort out what happens next either way.

Common insurance and billing questions

These answers are general. Your insurance company can confirm exact benefits, network status, deductibles, and patient responsibility.

Will my insurance cover my kidney visit?
Coverage depends on your exact plan, deductible, copay, referral rules, and whether The Kidney Experts is in network for your benefits. We can help verify coverage, but your insurance company makes the final decision about payment and patient responsibility.
What if my plan requires a referral?
Some plans require a referral from your primary care provider before you can see a specialist, and many do not. You can start a referral with us now either way — our staff will check what your plan needs and help manage the next steps before your appointment. Call us if you are not sure where to start.
What is a specialist copay?
A specialist copay is the amount your plan may ask you to pay for a visit with a specialist such as a nephrologist. Some plans use coinsurance or deductibles instead. Your insurance card or member services number may list this information.
Why might a test or medicine need approval first?
Some insurance plans require prior authorization before they cover certain tests, medicines, or procedures. This does not always mean the service is denied. It means the plan wants more information before making a coverage decision.
Who should I call with billing or coverage questions?
Call The Kidney Experts main line at (731) 300-6155 for billing and coverage questions. For exact benefit amounts, deductibles, and network rules, you may also need to call the member services number on your insurance card.

Call before your visit and we will check it with you

Our team can help you understand what information may be needed for your appointment, referral, or authorization.

Appointments & referrals: (731) 300-1191Back to patient resources