1 MIN READ

FEBRUARY 2026

How to find an in-network doctor 

Finding a provider who’s taking new patients can take time, and appointments may be weeks or even months out. Staying in-network helps you get the care you need and make the most of your benefits. Your health plan covers medically necessary care when you choose in-network doctors or providers. Keep in mind that out-of-network care isn’t covered — except for emergencies.

Print

Looking for more? Find other articles below

Need help finding the right provider?

You have a few different ways to find in-network providers accepting new patients and who are also a good fit for your needs and health conditions.

If you’re enrolled in the Costco medical plan:

Costcobenefits.com — Go to Costcobenefits.com and select “Find a Doctor” under Health & Wellness. 

If you’re enrolled in the Aetna medical plan:

Aetna Health^℠ app — If you haven’t already, download the Aetna Health app to try out some of its new features. The app now has a dark mode for easier viewing in low light.

Aetna Smart Compare^® Intelligent Matching — Get a “Picked for You” list of providers based on your needs. Each one meets the highest standards for quality and effective care. Use “Find Care & Pricing” to search or ask Aetna Smart Chat to give you a list of options near you.

Accepting new patients — Click on a provider to see how many new Aetna patients they’ve seen in the past 6 months. This helps you gauge if they’re taking new patients before you call.

Aetna ID card — Your Aetna ID card gives you an option for a primary care provider (PCP) that you can use, but you can see any provider in the network.

Aetna Health Concierge — Your Aetna Health Concierge can help you find in-network providers accepting new patients and even help you schedule appointments. Connect through Aetna Chat or call 800-814-3543 (TTY: 711).

If you’re enrolled in the Costco medical plan, you have access to virtual care:

Mainland and Hawaii: 98point6^® app offers on-demand primary and urgent care via text for a $0 copay.

Hawaii: HMSA’s Online Care lets you see a doctor online for physical and mental health care at any time.

Puerto Rico: TeleConsulta MD lets you see a doctor online in minutes. Get a diagnosis or prescription medication, review test results and more.

Puerto Rico: TeleConsulta connects you with a registered nurse, 24/7/365, for any health-related questions and where to go for care.

Preventive care can be a lifesaver

You deserve to feel your best — and routine preventive care is part of that. Regular checkups give you and your PCP a clearer picture of your overall health.

Mammograms, for example, are a key part of annual preventive care for women. They help detect breast cancer early, when it’s most treatable. Right now, about 1,800 Costco employees and their family members are receiving treatment for breast cancer.

Your free annual physical can also help you find out if your blood pressure, blood sugar or cholesterol are higher than they should be. High levels can increase your risk of chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes and stroke.¹

While an ER doctor can help treat symptoms you’re experiencing in the moment, your PCP knows your medical history and how best to manage your health conditions for the long term. They can also prescribe and refill prescriptions when needed.

You have support to make small changes that can have a big impact on your health.

If you have a PCP, you’re 19% less likely to end up in the ER.

Get support between visits with Omada

Imagine this: You see your PCP and find out your blood sugar is too high — you have diabetes.

Your doctor tells you to change your diet and exercise more. But how? Your Costco benefits include Omada^® for care between visits for diabetes, hypertension and cholesterol management, for those who qualify.

You’ll get support from a health coach, nutrition guidance and free tools to track your progress. The next time you see your doctor, you’ll hear, “Great job — your numbers are under control!”

Visit OmadaHealth.com/Costco or call 888-409-8687 to get started.

Source(s): 

¹Mayo Clinic. Metabolic syndrome