You're not bound by it if you don't trust their choice, after all, but they can tell you who's on their list (or vice versa, depending how you want to look at it) and also give you an idea of whom you should see based on what's happening. That's what I did when I needed my wisdom teeth out, though part of that was not wanting to pay a lot more accidentally going to an out of network dentist.

Based on my limited experience with a different insurer tests themselves shouldn't be much more than the copay, if anything (but if you call Blue Cross they can almost certainly tell you that as well) and if they're covered they're covered; you don't have to "prove you're sick" to get medical care (that's more of an issue if you DON'T have insurance and HAVE to go the ER; they can't refuse to treat a sick patient, but they can decide you're not sick and send you on your way. ) With my insurance it's fractional: You pay x% and they pay y% up to a certain amount, and once that amount is reached in a given year they pay the rest. Again, if you call them they can tell you the specifics and probably put your mind at ease (at least some. ) Unless it's urgent you probably want to avoid the ER, because that's the most expensive route, and I believe some insurers will even deny claims if you go to an ER when you didn't have to do so.

I'm sorry you're ill, and hope and pray it's nothing serious. Get well soon, and let me know how you're doing, please. Also: Scratch Pippins right on top where they meet his head for me. *hugs muchly*