Finding a health care provider

Published on August 11, 2014

Choosing the right provider is one of the most important decisions you’ll make about your health care. We can help you find the right one.

Remember, you’re looking for a provider you can trust and work with to improve your health and well-being, so take time to think about what you need. Depending on how complicated your health care needs are, you may need to see more than one type of provider.

Primary Care Providers: You’ll see a primary care provider first for most health issues. They’ll work with you to get your recommended screenings, help you manage chronic conditions, and refer you to other types of providers if you need them. Your primary care provider may be called a family physician or doctor, internist, general practitioner, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant. Your child or teenager’s provider may be called a pediatrician.

Specialists: You’ll see a specialist for certain services or to treat specific conditions. Specialists include cardiologists, oncologists, psychologists, allergists, podiatrists, and orthopedists. You may need a referral from your primary care provider before you go to a specialist in order for your health plan to pay for your visit.

Here are some tips for finding a provider where you live:

• If you already have a provider you like and want to keep working with, call their office and ask if they accept your coverage.
• Call your insurance company or state Medicaid and CHIP program. Look at their website or check your member handbook to find providers in your network who take your health coverage.
• Ask your friends or family if they have providers they like and use these tools to compare health care providers in your area.

Watch the video: “Finding a Provider” – from Coverage to Care

Print your own booklet: Step 4 – Pick a Provider