HMO Guide for Seniors - Office of the Patient Advocate - State of ...

22
Choosing a Doctor
Y
our primary care doctor gives you basic care, oversees your
treatments, and refers you to specialists. In many Medicare
HMOs, you must have a primary care doctor. If you don’t
choose one, the HMO may choose one for you. You can
change doctors if you want to.
It’s a good idea to have your own doctor.
“I really wanted
a doctor with
my cultural background.
I called
my HMO and
they helped me
find one.”
Your doctor can help you understand your care and get the
services you need.
Over time your doctor gets to know you and can watch for
changes in your health.
Your doctor has a duty to make sure you get the care you need.
He must tell you all of your
treatment choices.
If he can’t see you, you must be
able to see another doctor.
If he leaves your plan, you must
be told ahead of time so you can
choose another doctor.
Medical Groups
Most doctors are in a medical group.
This is a group of doctors who have a
contract with the HMO. Most of the
specialists you see will also be in your
doctor’s medical group.
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