What is a primary care physician (PCP)?
A primary care physician (PCP), is your first, or primary, source of medical care – your personal doctor. The PCP you choose coordinates your medical care, including checkups, referrals to specialists (if you participate in an Open Access plan, you do not need a referral to see a specialist), lab and x-ray services and hospital admissions. PCP-based care is an effective way to maintain better health: regular physician visits help build strong, secure doctor-patient relationships. When you enroll in a CIGNA HealthCare network plan, you choose a PCP from the CIGNA HealthCare network of independent physicians in your service area. You may not even need to switch doctors. Chances are good that your present physician already participates in the CIGNA HealthCare network.
A primary care physician (PCP) is a medical professional who serves as a member’s first contact with a plan’s health-care system. The PCP is also known as a primary care provider, personal care physician or personal care provider. If your health plan has a primary care network, you will be required to select a PCP. 3. Do I need a referral from my primary care physician for specialist services? For referral requirements, consult your benefit plan booklet or call Customer Service at the number on your ID card. You may choose to check your benefits online. 4. I participate in a primary care network (PCN). Do I have to select the same primary care physician for my entire family? No. Primary care physician selection is specific to each member. Selection must be made from physicians authorized in your particular network. Contact your employer for a list of primary care physicians or go to Provider Directory. 5. May I change my primary care physician? Yes. You may change your primary care phy
Your primary care doctor will serve as your regular doctor, managing your care and working with you to make most of the medical decisions about your care as a patient. In many plans, care by specialists is only paid for if you are referred by your primary care doctor. An HMO or a POS plan will provide you with a list of doctors from which you will choose your primary care doctor (usually a family physician, internists, obstetrician-gynecologist, or pediatrician). This could mean you might have to choose a new primary care doctor if your current one does not belong to the plan. PPOs allow members to use primary care doctors outside the PPO network (at a higher cost). Indemnity plans allow any doctor to be used.
