| Your PCP is an important
part of your health care team. Your PCP may be a physician or a health clinic
that is contracted with CHC to provide primary care services. Your PCP will take
care of most of your health care needs. If you need care from a specialist or
a hospital, your PCP will arrange it. Your PCP will make sure you get the care
you need. Every member of
your family who is eligible for the STAR Program may have their own PCP. Here
are three easy steps to find a PCP: Step
1: Check your CHC Provider Directory for a listing of PCPs near you. The listing
tells you where each PCP is located. Many Providers have walk-in and after hours
appointments available. The listing also tells you what languages the PCP speaks.
It is a good idea to call CHC Member Services if you do not see the doctor you
want in the book. We add new Providers all the time. Step
2: Call CHC Member Services. Let us know who you would like to be your PCP.
If you need help picking a PCP, we can help. We can answer your questions and
give you the latest information about your PCP. We can also help you decide which
PCP best meets your needs. Step
3: Pick a PCP for each STAR member in your family. CHC Member Services will
send you a new Member ID card that shows your choice. When
you make appointments and go see your PCP, don't forget to.... Take
information when you go to the doctor. When you go to see your doctor,
take your CHC Member ID card, your Medicaid ID Form, a list of problems you are
having, a list of any drugs or herbal medicines you are taking, and a record of
all shots you have had. Call
your PCP if you cannot make it to an appointment. Tell your PCP if you
will not be able to keep an appointment time. Let them know a few days ahead of
time if you can. If you have to cancel because you don't have a ride, call Medicaid
Transportation (1-877-633-8747) 48 hours before your next appointment. Talk
freely with your PCP. Tell your PCP as much as you can about any health
problems you have. Ask questions if you do not understand what your doctor means.
Write your questions or symptoms down. Take this with you to your doctor so you
remember to tell him/her about everything. Tell
your PCP about all your health problems. Many people think PCPs only handle
minor problems, such as colds. PCPs handle many problems. They can even spot rare
diseases that only a specialist can treat. PCPs also handle many urgent problems.
They can help you with a small cut that may need a few stitches. They can usually
treat you more quickly than a busy hospital emergency room. Keep
all your medical records with your PCP. Your PCP should be the medical
home for all your medical records. Your PCP needs to know everything about your
past and present health care needs. Make sure your PCP has all of your medical
records. If you are a new patient, help your PCP get your medical records from
your previous doctor. You may need to sign a form giving permission for your medical
records to be sent to your new PCP. Tell
your PCP about emergencies. In an emergency, go straight to the closest
hospital. Call your PCP within 24 hours, or as soon as possible. If you can't
call, have someone call for you. If you are admitted to the hospital, call your
PCP so that he/she can tell the hospital about your medical history. Your PCP
can also arrange follow-up care for you. Your PCP will want to see you in his/her
office after all emergency services and after leaving the hospital. Plan on visiting
your PCP within 3 days of any emergency visit or hospital discharge. |