Do you have a primary health care provider? If you don’t, you may be short changing yourself! See what a difference a primary care provider (PCP) can make for you:
An established relationship with your PCP can mean better care in the long run. Your PCP can get to know you over a period of time and will be in a better position to assess and manage your health needs, especially any chronic health problems.
Your PCP can make sure that you get the wellness screenings that you need, making it possible to recognize and address health problems early on before they develop into something more serious. An extra bonus: much routine preventive care is covered under your health plan at no additional cost to you.
Although a referral isn’t required by Aetna to see a specialist, some specialists will ask for a referral from your PCP before they will schedule an appointment. This is because your PCP can order routine tests to rule out (or identify) other underlying health conditions. When you need to see a specialist, your PCP can often get you an appointment sooner than you might be able to get on your own.
Seeing your PCP for routine and preventive care means fewer visits to the ER or urgent care center –not only do you get better care, but it will cost you less.
Need to find a PCP? Try these resources:
- Aetna website – Visit Aetna.com to find participating providers.
- Hospital system website – Local hospital systems are a great resource for finding providers that meet your needs. Try meritushealth.org, summithealth.org, or wvuniversityhealthcare.com.
- Specialist recommendation-If you already see a specialist, but don’t have a PCP, ask your specialist to recommend a provider.
- Ask a friend or family member to recommend a provider.