IMPORTANT MEMBER INFORMATION

DEFINITIONS

Independent Practice Association (IPA)

An association of several independently practicing physicians in their own private offices. They can be affiliated with one or several hospitals.

Medical Group

A group of physicians that practice together in the same location. They are bound together financially and have shared expenses.

Primary Care Provider (PCP)

A PCP is your personal physician who will provide most of your care and will oversee and coordinate other medical care that you may need. A PCP can be one of the following:

• General/Family practice---trained in a broad range of medicine including Adult Medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology.
• Internal Medicine---trained in adult medicine.
• Pediatrics---trained in the health care of children from birth to teens.
• Obstetrics and Gynecology---trained in women's healthcare.

Specialists:

These physicians have been trained in a specific area of medicine such as Neurology (central nervous system), Dermatology (skin), Opthamology (eyes) and Oncology (cancer). There are more than thirty different specialties and subspecialties. Your primary care physician will assist you in determining the most appropriate specialist, if you need one.

Emergencies:

In a life-threatening emergency ( e.g. shortness of breath, severe bleeding or chest pain) call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room. Notify your primary care physician as soon as possible afterward.
In a non life-threatening emergency, call your primary care physician, and you will be directed to the most appropriate facility or you will be advised regarding further treatment.

Out of Service Area Care:

If you are out of the service area and have an emergency, go to the nearest medical facility and notify your primary care physician within 48 hours. If you are out of the service area and are in need of immediate medical care, call your primary care physician for assistance in seeking the most appropriate treatment.