Making appointments for care

Once you've selected your PCP, make an appointment to meet with your physician and have your annual health maintenance exam, a covered benefit.

At your first appointment, discuss your medical history and any special needs you may have. Also discuss any care from a specialist that you may be receiving; your new PCP must reauthorize treatment. Your treatment may not be covered until that occurs.

Access guidelines:

Type of Care What it is Expect an appointment
Preventive care Physical exam Within 30 days
Routine primary care Treatment for
  • Nonacute, nonlife-threatening illness, such as sore throat, fever, cold or rash
  • Recurrent symptoms, such as rashes or joint and muscle pain
  • Appointments for patients who were seen previously
Within 4 days
Follow-up care A previously diagnosed condition, such as an ear infection or high blood pressure. Within 14 days
Urgent care A condition that is nonthreatening to life or limb, but is potentially dangerous, such as high fever (101 degrees over 24 hours), persistent vomiting, diarrhea or a new skin rash. Within 2 days
Emergency care A condition that causes symptoms severe enough that someone with average health knowledge would believe that immediate medical attention is needed. Immediately

 

page modified 09/23/2011