See Your "Primary" Doctor Before You See a Specialist

Primary care doctors manage your medical care. If you are a member of a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), your primary care doctor is the doctor you select from the HMO plan to coordinate your medical care. This person could be a family doctor, internist, obstetrician/gynecologist, etc. Whether or not you belong to an HMO, call or see your primary care doctor before you see a specialist. If your primary care doctor cannot take care of your needs, he or she will refer you to a specialist.

Tell & Ask the Doctor/Provider Checklists

Back to Index

American Institute for Preventive Medicine, Copyright 2005