Your Primary Care Physician (PCP)
A primary care physician also called a PCP, is a doctor who takes care of you and helps you stay healthy. Your PCP will provide most of your health care. Your PCP will keep a record of your health and your health care. If you need special care for a health problem, you PCP will make the arrangements and tell you where to go for medical services. You will need your PCP’s okay, called a referral, in order for Medicaid to pay for this special medical care.
Do you need a PCP?
You must choose a PCP unless:
- You also have Medicare
- You live in a nursing home
- You live in an ICF/IID (a home for people who have an intellectual disability)
- You are covered by Medicaid only for a past time period
- You have Medicaid Spend-Down
How do you get a PCP?
The ways to choose a PCP are:
- Go to the doctor’s office
- Call the ConnectCare helpline at 1-800-275-1131
- Go to the DHS office
- List your choices for a PCP on the Medicaid or ARKids First application
You must make sure the PCP you choose is Medicaid or ARKids First provider. If you need a list of PCPs who take Medicaid, call ConnectCare or visit your DHS office. The list will tell you:
- The doctor’s name
- The clinic’s address
- Ages served
- Languages the doctor or staff speak
- Phone numbers
How do you change your PCP?
To change your PCP, call the ConnectCare helpline at 1-800-275-1131 or visit the local DHS office.