Your primary care physician (PCP) is more than just the person you call when you feel sick or get hurt. Your PCP is focused on keeping you healthy. Like a good coach, this doctor will encourage you to make healthy lifestyle choices.
Who Provides Primary Care?
Community Health Alliance promotes the “medical home” model for care. Studies have shown that patients with this type of care have improved their health. The medical home approach to care has also been shown to lower costs.
Your medical home is the main place for all your care. We ask that you choose a PCP as your medical home.
There are different types of PCPs.
Internal Medicine
Family Practice
General Practice
General Medicine
Pediatrician
OB/GYN
Your Choice
Community Health Alliance has a wide range of PCPs under these six specialties from which you can find a primary care provider. It’s easy: Log in to your account through the member tab and begin your search. Then, call Customer Service at 800-580-8574 to select your primary care provider. If you prefer, one of our representatives will be able to assist you through the entire search and selection process.
Board certification is shown on our website for each specialty, so look for these credentials as you begin your search. Additional resources to research the doctor’s education, certification and performance history can be found on websites such as www.abms.org and www.ama-assn.org.
You can set a time to visit your doctor by calling his or her office directly to make an appointment. Your PCP’s staff will help you throughout your office visit.
When you visit your PCP, you may be treated by other health care providers. They may be a nurse practitioner (NP), a physician’s assistant (PA) or a certified nurse midwife (CNM). All of these providers are covered under your primary care benefits
Helpful Tips to Remember When Selecting a Primary Care Physician
YOU have the right to choose a PCP from your health plan’s provider
ASK for referrals from friends and family rather than picking a doctor at random from your health plan’s provider directory or out of the phone
VERIFY if the PCP you selected is accepting new
CHECK to make sure the PCP is in your plan’s network.
Other things you may want to consider:
Is your doctor’s age a factor?
Would you prefer a male or female doctor?
Is the location convenient for you and your family?
Do they have after-hours care?
What are their cancellation and payment policies?
Your Next Steps
Schedule an appointment with your top choice to go over your medical history, discuss your health concerns and determine if that doctor is a good fit for your needs.
After the appointment, ask yourself the following questions:
Did you feel comfortable talking with this person?
Did you feel rushed?
Does the physician’s personal style match your own?
Were you encouraged to call with questions?
Was the office staff courteous and helpful?
Start building your health care team by choosing your PCP today!
What to bring to your first appointment
Your CHA member ID card
A list of the medications you take and the dosage
The Knowledge You Need Form to complete with your doctor
The Care Plan Agreement to begin your journey better health
Any questions or concerns you may have