Out of network providers in EPO facility

I'm pregnant and on an EPO plan with a large hospital network. The premiums and OOP max are very affordable, but I have found out that even some outpatient specialists practicing out of the hospital building are not employed physicians and are out of network, which took me as surprise. I'm a doctor, I thought I would be able to figure this out. Fortunately I don't require significant specialist care.

Out of network care I do not believe counts towards my OOP max.

I'm anxious about delivery and the issue of anesthesiology usually being private practice rather than directly employed. Heaven forbid baby needs NICU. Is there any way I can address this ahead of time other than asking my anesthesiologist friends what the employment status is of their colleagues over at XYZ hospital? Does anyone with a six figure salary turn down an epidural because they're not sure they can afford it, lol?

submitted by /u/Bunnydinollama
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