Health Plans and Health Care Providers

 

Intro	Check-Ups
Why do I need a PCP?	Confidentiality
How to Find a PCP	Reproductive Health
Health Plans	I Don't Like My PCP
Qualifications of PCPs	When to Visit?
Deciding on a PCP

 

What if I belong to a health plan?

If you belong to a health plan, your choice of health care providers may be limited to providers that are part of the plan. Sometimes you can choose to see any provider. You should check the plans list of health care providers. Ask friends or relatives who have the same plan as you for names of health care providers that they like.

 

What if I don't belong to a health plan?

If you don't belong to a health plan, your choice of providers is much greater. You may want to first think about which provider you would like to use. Check on how much a typical office visit and lab tests cost. If it doesn't fit your budget, check on public health clinics, family planning clinics, health centers, and hospital clinics. Also, check whether they have sliding scales or free care.

 

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Next: PCPs' Qualifications

 

Written by the CYWH Staff at Children's Hospital Boston

 

Updated: 5/27/2011