What is a primary care physician?
The Primary Care Physician acts as your regular doctor and is a member of the medical group you have chosen for your healthcare. Primary care doctors include general and family practitioners, internists and pediatricians. The doctor acts as your regular physician and determines if you need to see a specialist or requires hospitalization. Certain specialists as we may approve may also be designated primary care doctors.
The foundation for Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO) is your relationship with your Primary Care Physician. A Primary Care Physician is usually a general practitioner or family practice physician who manages all your health care or medical needs, which includes your basic care, preventive services, referrals to specialist and hospitalization arrangements. Always contact your Primary Care Physician first for any health care needs. Your Primary Care Physician or associate is available 24 hours a day.
A Primary Care Physician (PCP) is a Medical Doctor (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.) who specializes in internal medicine (adult medicine), family practice or pediatrics (childrens medicine). Your PCP plays an important role in your health care. Whenever you need medical care, call your PCP first. Your PCP will provide most of the care you need, coordinate specialty care and help you in an emergency or urgent medical situation.
Generally, a primary care physician is one who specializes in Family Practice, General Practice, Internal Medicine or Pediatrics. A primary care physician is the doctor you see first for any medical condition you might have. We recommend you contact your insurance company or claims payor directly at the phone number on your ID card to clarify the specifics of your benefits and coverage. Or you may contact your employer’s Human Resources or Benefits office for assistance.
This is your “personal” physician who is familiar with your health history and coordinates all your health care. Primary care physicians usually specialize in family practice, internal medicine, general practice, or pediatrics. Some OB/GYNs are also considered primary care physicians. With HMO plans, if you need a specialist, your primary care physician will refer you and keep in contact with your specialist to ensure continuity of your care. If you have further questions about primary care, please call the member service department of your insurance or health plan. The phone number is usually located on the back of your insurance card.
