Family care means care provided by family practitioners, internists, OB/GYNs, and pediatricians. All other physicians are specialists.

A Primary Care Physician, or PCP, is the doctor you would go to on a regular basis, such as when you're simply not feeling well, or have an ear ache or the flu. A specialist is a doctor that your PCP might refer you to if the problem you have requires a doctor with more experience in a certain area.

Before seeing any medical specialist, you should talk to your family doctor, or general practitioner (GP), who can discuss your condition with you and advise on whether specialist care is appropriate. He or she can help you choose the specialist best suited to your needs. Your GP can help the specialist to care for you by providing relevant information about your health. If you wish, you can request that your GP refer you to your preferred specialist.

Although you are being cared for by more than one physician, Centrex is only permitted to send the results to the ordering physician. If you would like additional copies sent to your physician, it is necessary to ask the ordering physician to write “copy to Dr.______ ".

Specialists are experts in certain medical specialities and concentrate on taking care of a particular body system, whereas GPs/Family Physicians are trained to provide comprehensive and holistic care for you. Your Specialist may refer you to a GP/Family Physician for continued long-term care, once your condition has stabilised. Similarly if your GP feels your medical condition needs specialist attention, he may refer you to a Specialist.

No. You may go to a specialist without seeing a primary care physician. In order to receive the highest level of coverage; always seek an in-network specialist.

For referral requirements, consult your benefit plan booklet or call Customer Service at the number on your ID card. You may choose to check your benefits online. No. Primary care physician selection is specific to each member. Selection must be made from physicians authorized in your particular network. Contact your employer for a list of primary care physicians or go to Provider Directory. Yes. You may change your primary care physician, but your health plan may limit the frequency of changes.

Referred care promotes communication between your participating primary care physician and participating specialists. When all parties are informed of your medical condition, you receive the most effective and necessary treatment. You'll also benefit from minimum out-of-pocket expense because only a small copayment is required.

While both approaches acknowledge involvement with the family as a fundamental element of care, there are key differences. In family-focused care, professionals often provide care from the position of an "expert -" assessing the patient and family, recommending a treatment or intervention and creating a plan for the family to follow. They do things to and for the patient and family, regarding the family as the "unit of intervention.

A primary care physician specializes in the delivery of medical care to all age groups. The primary care physician in many cases also will deliver many types of gynecological care, is knowledgeable in the area of dermatology, sports medicine, gastroenterology, urology and orthopedics. In many cases the primary care physician is also able to do many types of testing in the office, including laboratory, stress testing, minor dermatological procedures.

Think of the difference between a physician and a dentist. Both are health care practitioners but in different medical professions. Both are legally entitled to use the title "doctor." Chiropractic is complementary to other areas of primary health care, as are an obstetrics or dermatology. It is not a replacement for medical care, but its emphasis on non-invasive and preventive measures may offer an alternative to medication and surgery in many circumstances.

To determine whether you need a referral from us before seeing a medical specialist, please view the terms of your insurance plan. Often, this information is listed on your insurance card or can be obtained by calling your insurance company. Our medical providers can refer you to a specialist if your health situation requires it or if your health insurance company requires a referral prior to visiting a specialist.

Answer: Generally, only HMO and POS insurance plans require PCP referrals. To request a specialist referral, call our main number at 615-342-5900 and select option 4 for referrals. Same-day referrals are difficult to process so please call in advance. Remember, referrals are often limited to a specific timeframe and number of visits so monitor your specialist visits as closely as possible.

Specialty care is covered. Under the basic plan you may see any participating specialist and receive a 25% reduction in that specialist's normal fee. Under the enhanced plan you must receive a referral from your participating general dentist prior to seeing a specialist. Upon approval, your Schedule of Benefits will apply to your specialists visit under the enhanced plan. No, you and each of your covered family members may select a different participating general dentist.

The providers at GetzWell Pediatrics will arrange for pediatric specialty care if it is needed. We have relationships with pediatric specialists at all the major hospitals in the area: UCSF, CPMC, Children's Hospital Oakland, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford.

Usually the patient’s dentist or doctor is responsible for referring them to the clinic best suited to the patient’ needs. Some Community Dental Services allow patients to refer themselves. Normally, the dentist or doctor will write a referral letter and send it, with any hospital letters and x-rays, to give the Community Dental Officer an idea of the patient’s dental history.

A family physician is a doctor who takes care of your whole family. Family physicians create caring relationships with patients and their families. They really get know their patients. They listen to them and help them make the right health care decisions.

Specialists are: Medical Specialists, Office Management Specialists, Information Management Specialists, Diplomatic Security Agents, Human Resource Specialists, etc. Officers are generalists who enter in one of the career tracks - Consular, Economic, Management, Political, or Public Diplomacy.