preferred provider organization

noun

: ppo

Examples of preferred provider organization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Caitlin Rother, a 63-year-old novelist in San Diego, tried to be proactive in switching her Covered California plan from a PPO (preferred provider organization) plan to a lower-cost HMO (health maintenance organization) plan to save money. Sara Dinatale, San Francisco Chronicle, 20 Jan. 2026 To stir further confusion, some even deploy common insurance terms like PPO (preferred provider organization) or co-pay in their terms and conditions. Alana Semuels, Time, 30 Oct. 2025 Mediation applies only to its preferred provider organization. Dallas News, 6 Mar. 2020 The latest study examined the claims data of 37 million individuals with commercial preferred provider organization’s health insurance plans in all 50 states from 2013 to 2017. BostonGlobe.com, 2 Dec. 2019 Gail Trauco's insurer is eliminating her company's policy known as a preferred provider organization, or PPO, replacing it with a health maintenance organization, or HMO, a change that would limit the choice of doctors for her five employees. Joyce M. Rosenberg, USA TODAY, 9 Dec. 2017

Word History

First Known Use

1982, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of preferred provider organization was in 1982

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Cite this Entry

“Preferred provider organization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preferred%20provider%20organization. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

Medical Definition

preferred provider organization

noun
pre·​ferred pro·​vid·​er organization prə-ˌfərd-prə-ˈvīd-ər- How to pronounce preferred provider organization (audio)
: ppo
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