What is a primary care physician (PCP)?
A PCP is the doctor you select to be your personal physician. As a member of ABMG, your Primary Care Physician (PCP) works with you to make decisions about your care and to recommend specialists when medically appropriate. Your PCP plays many roles – primary caregiver, health care advisor, coordinator of specialty care and patient advocate. PCPs can include: • Family/General Practitioners (Doctors who treat patients of all ages) • Internists (Doctors who treat adults and may have a subspecialty) • Pediatricians (Doctors who treat children) To choose a PCP within ABMG, please contact Customer Service at 800-470-0071. They can help you find the right doctor and answer questions about a physician’s education, specialty, sub-specialty, office locations, hours, and languages spoken.
A primary care physician, or PCP, is your first or primary source of medical care – your personal doctor. The PCP you choose coordinates all of your medical care, from your annual checkups to referrals to specialists, lab and x-ray services, and hospital admissions. PCP-based care is an effective way to maintain better health; regular physician visits build strong, secure doctor-patient relationships.
This is your “personal” physician who is familiar with your health history and provides or arranges for quality health care for you. If a specialist is needed, your PCP refers you and keeps in contact with your specialist to ensure continuity of your care. Doctors who specialize in family practice, internal medicine, general practice and pediatrics are considered PCPs.
Your PCP acts as your regular physician and can help coordinate other care you may need, such as Specialist office visit or hospital inpatient or outpatient services. Check the SIHO Provider Directory for a list of these PCP’s. How do I choose or change my Primary Care Physician (PCP)? You can choose your PCP on your initial enrollment form. If you need to change your current PCP you can select your provider from the PCP listing, call a SIHO Member Services Representative at the phone number listed on the back of your card or contact us and make the necessary change with the effective date of the change. A new ID card will be issued with your PCP listed on the card. This is only applicable to the Health Plans who utilize PCP requirements. See your Summary Plan Document for details. Can I change my PCP any time that I wish? We encourage you to develop a long-term relationship with one provider, but if it is necessary to change your PCP you may do so no more than 2 times per year. Can I
