Important Information for Medical Mutual Members
A Change in Coverage Doesn't Have to Mean a Change in Care
As of October 15, 2026, OrthoUnited is out-of-network with Medical Mutual. You can still choose to see your OrthoUnited physician. Your doctor, your care plan, and your medical records stay the same.
Last Updated: October 15, 2026
Where Things Stand
OrthoUnited and Medical Mutual were not able to reach a new agreement. As a result, OrthoUnited's physician and practice services became out-of-network with Medical Mutual effective October 15, 2026.
Our preference has always been to remain in-network, and we remain open to working with Medical Mutual on an agreement. In the meantime, our focus is on you: helping you understand your options and continue the care you started with us.
What this means for you:
- You can still see your OrthoUnited physician. Many Medical Mutual plans include out-of-network benefits.
- Our surgery centers are still in-network. OASIS Surgery Center and Ohio Specialty Surgical Suites (OS3) have separate contracts with Medical Mutual.
- Help is available. Our financial counselors can review your benefits and estimated costs with you before your visit.
You Can Still Choose OrthoUnited
Out-of-network does not mean you can't be seen here. It means your plan covers your visit differently. Many patients continue seeing their OrthoUnited physician using their out-of-network benefits.
Three steps to understand your coverage:
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Call Medical Mutual. Use the Member Services number on the back of your insurance card. Ask:
- Does my plan include out-of-network benefits?
- What is my out-of-network deductible and coinsurance?
- Do I need prior authorization for out-of-network care?
- Do I qualify for a Transition of Care Waiver?
- Talk to an OrthoUnited financial counselor. Bring what you learned. We'll help you estimate your costs for upcoming visits, procedures or therapy.
- Keep your appointment while you sort it out. Please don't cancel or delay care without talking to us first.
If your insurance is through your employer, contact your HR or Benefits Department. Many employers offer more than one plan or network. Ask which options would keep OrthoUnited in-network and when you can change coverage.
If you have Medical Mutual Medicare Advantage, Medicare Open Enrollment runs October 15 to December 7, 2026. Consider provider networks when comparing 2027 plans.
OrthoUnited cannot recommend a specific insurance plan.
Our Surgery Centers Remain In-Network
OASIS Surgery Center and Ohio Specialty Surgical Suites (OS3) have their own contracts with Medical Mutual and remain in-network.
For surgery, the facility and your surgeon's professional services are billed separately. The surgery center facility is in-network. Your OrthoUnited surgeon's professional services are out-of-network.
If you have surgery scheduled, please don't cancel or reschedule based on the network change alone. Contact your OrthoUnited office so we can review your situation and connect you with a financial counselor.
In the Middle of Treatment? Your Care Plan Continues.
If you recently had surgery, have a procedure coming up or are working through physical therapy, your recovery matters most. Stopping or switching providers mid-treatment can set back your progress.
- Your physician and care team stay the same. So does your treatment plan.
- Your records stay with us. There's no need to start over with someone new.
- You may qualify for a Transition of Care Waiver. Some patients in an active course of treatment can continue receiving care at in-network rates for a period of time. Ask Medical Mutual using the number on the back of your card. OrthoUnited can provide the medical information needed to support your request.
Please don't skip post-op follow-ups or therapy without talking to your physician. Call your preferred OrthoUnited campus location and we'll help you plan next steps.
Expert Care. Clear Costs. No Hospital Facility Fees.
Before you rule out OrthoUnited, compare the full cost of care.
When a clinic is owned by a hospital system, patients are often billed a separate hospital facility fee on top of the physician's fee. That fee can apply even to a routine office visit. As an independent, physician-owned practice, OrthoUnited does not charge hospital facility fees.
The same is true for surgery. Ambulatory surgery centers like OASIS and OS3 typically cost less than hospital outpatient departments for the same procedure. Using Medicare's 2026 price data, Becker's ASC Review found the total cost of a rotator cuff repair was about $4,459 at a surgery center versus about $8,177 at a hospital outpatient department, with the difference driven largely by facility fees. (Source(opens in new tab))
Every plan is different, and out-of-network costs depend on your benefits. That's why we encourage you to talk with a financial counselor before deciding where to receive care.
Why Patients Choose OrthoUnited
- Timely appointments. We work to get you in quickly, so you can get an expert diagnosis and a plan without a long wait.
- Express Care for new injuries. Walk in during operating hours for evaluation of sprains, strains, fractures, and other orthopaedic injuries. No appointment needed. See Express Care hours and locations.
- Specialists for every part of the body. From hand and wrist to spine to total joint replacement, your care is led by orthopaedic specialists focused on getting you back to the activities you enjoy.
- Independent and physician-owned. Decisions about your care are made by physicians, close to home, across our five Northeast Ohio campuses.
Have Medical Mutual and thinking about OrthoUnited? Call us before you rule us out. Our team can walk you through your options.
Talk to a Financial Counselor
Questions about cost? Our financial counselors are here to help.
A financial counselor can review your Medical Mutual out-of-network benefits with you, give you a cost estimate for upcoming care, and explain your payment options.
There's no obligation, and it's the best way to make an informed decision.
Call 330-832-2663 Monday to Friday, 7am-5pm
Or call your OrthoUnited office and ask to speak with a financial counselor. Find your campus location.
Tip: Call Medical Mutual first using the number on the back of your card. Having your out-of-network deductible and coinsurance handy helps us give you a more accurate estimate.
Our Commitment to Our Patients
For decades, OrthoUnited physicians and care teams have provided orthopaedic care to patients throughout Northeast Ohio. A change in your insurance network doesn't change that commitment.
We value the relationship you have with your physician, and we'll continue working to make care with us as clear and accessible as possible.