Can a client choose a therapist as his/her Primary Care Practitioner (PCP)?
A. No, psychiatrists and psychologists cannot be chosen as a PCP. Although these doctors have extensive training, it may not be in a client’s best interests to have a psychiatrist or psychologist as his/her PCP. These doctors should not treat a patient for medical conditions for which they may not have the expertise (ex: diabetes, hypertension, etc.). WHAT HAPPENS AFTER A CLIENT JOINS A MANAGED CARE PLAN? Q. What should a client do first? A. As soon as the client joins a Medicaid managed care plan, he/she should: • Pick a primary care provider (PCP) right away. If the client does not pick a PCP within 30 days of signing up for the plan, the plan will pick one for him/her. If the client needs help finding out which doctors are working with the plan, call the Member service 800 number that can be found on the plan’s welcome letter and on the back of the plan card. • Call the managed care plan’s Member Services 800 number to find out how to do any of the following: • Keep the doctor the c
