HMO Guide for Seniors - Office of the Patient Advocate - State of ...
HMO Guide for Seniors - Office of the Patient Advocate - State of ...
HMO Guide for Seniors - Office of the Patient Advocate - State of ...
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23<br />
Questions & Answers<br />
Can I keep my old doctor<br />
if I join a Medicare <strong>HMO</strong>?<br />
You can keep your old doctor<br />
only if <strong>the</strong> doctor is in <strong>the</strong><br />
Medicare <strong>HMO</strong>’s network.<br />
The network includes all <strong>the</strong><br />
doctors who have a contract<br />
with <strong>the</strong> <strong>HMO</strong>.<br />
What if I don’t like my doctor?<br />
You can choose a new doctor.<br />
It can take up to a month to<br />
get a new doctor.<br />
What if my doctor leaves<br />
my <strong>HMO</strong>?<br />
You must choose a new doctor<br />
in your <strong>HMO</strong>’s network. Ask<br />
your old doctor to recommend<br />
one. If you are being treated<br />
<strong>for</strong> a serious health problem,<br />
you may be able to keep your<br />
old doctor <strong>for</strong> a while. Call<br />
your <strong>HMO</strong>.<br />
things you can do<br />
Ask Your Medicare <strong>HMO</strong> <strong>for</strong> a List <strong>of</strong> Doctors<br />
Ask <strong>for</strong> a list <strong>of</strong> primary care doctors in <strong>the</strong> <strong>HMO</strong>’s<br />
network. Or look in <strong>the</strong> provider directory on your<br />
<strong>HMO</strong>’s website. Ask friends which doctors <strong>the</strong>y<br />
know and like. Print a Health Worksheet, “Choose<br />
a Doctor,” at www.opa.ca.gov.<br />
Compare Doctors<br />
Call <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>fices <strong>of</strong> several doctors. Ask:<br />
Is <strong>the</strong> doctor taking new patients?<br />
What is <strong>the</strong> doctor’s medical training?<br />
Can <strong>the</strong> doctor help me with my specific problems?<br />
What kinds <strong>of</strong> specialists are in <strong>the</strong> doctor’s<br />
medical group?<br />
Which hospitals does <strong>the</strong> doctor refer to?<br />
How long does it take to get an appointment?<br />
How will I reach <strong>the</strong> doctor if I have a problem<br />
between visits?<br />
Compare Medical Groups<br />
The specialists you see are usually in <strong>the</strong> same<br />
medical group as your doctor. For in<strong>for</strong>mation on<br />
<strong>the</strong> quality <strong>of</strong> medical groups, visit www.opa.ca.gov.<br />
Sign Up with Your New Doctor<br />
When you think you have found a doctor and medical<br />
group that meet your needs, call your <strong>HMO</strong> and ask<br />
to sign up with <strong>the</strong> doctor. Then make a new-patient<br />
appointment with <strong>the</strong> doctor.<br />
where to find help<br />
<strong>Office</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Patient</strong> <strong>Advocate</strong><br />
In<strong>for</strong>mation on medical groups; print a Health<br />
Worksheet, “Choose a Doctor” www.opa.ca.gov
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