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Your primary care physician

Is your partner in health.

Woman doctor looking down at clipboard

Your primary care physician (or PCP) is the doctor who is most familiar with your health history and who coordinates your health care. Your PCP will provide the appropriate services or referrals to other plan providers.

If your PCP was automatically assigned, or you want to pick a new one for any reason, you can change your PCP at any time.

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How to choose or change a PCP

When you choose a PCP, you will be receiving care exclusively from hospitals, specialists, urgent care centers and other providers or locations associated with your PCP’s plan medical group. Keep in mind that referrals and prior authorizations do not transfer between medical groups.

1

Log in to your Sharp Health Plan online account.


Log in or create a Sharp Health Plan online account. From the home screen, select View or change my primary care physician. Select Change my PCP.

2

Search for a PCP in your plan network.


Select Search for providers. Enter at least one preference for city, ZIP code, gender or language spoken. If you know the name of the new PCP you'd like, enter their name. Select Search.

3

Make the change.


Select the bubble next to the name of the PCP you’d like, then choose Select. Choose a location and reason for the change, then select Request change to submit your request. In most cases the change will be effective the first day of the following month. You’ll also get a new member ID card in the mail.

For children, teens and dependents

Ages 12 and older: If you want your parent, guardian, spouse or other trusted person to make the change for you, you have to share your online account with them first. Then they can change your PCP online on your behalf.

LEARN MORE

Under age 12: Your parent or guardian must complete a "Request access to child's account" form first. This allows us to verify that they are your parent or legal guardian. After they get access, they can change your PCP online.

GET THE FORM

If you have any questions about changing your PCP, please contact Customer Care.

 

4 ways to partner with your PCP

  • If you have never been seen by your PCP, make an appointment for an initial visit. If you have a more urgent medical problem, don’t wait until this appointment. Speak with your PCP or another health care professional in the office and they will direct you appropriately.
  • Make sure to tell your PCP your complete health history, as well as any current treatments, medical conditions or other doctors who are treating you.
  • You can contact your PCP’s office 24 hours a day. If your PCP is not available or if it is after regular office hours, a message will be taken and you will receive a return call within 30 minutes.
  • If you are unable to reach your PCP, send Customer Care a secure message by logging in to your Sharp Health Plan online account. On evenings and weekends, you can speak with a nurse through Sharp Nurse Connection® for immediate medical advice.

5 things to bring to your first appointment

  • Your member ID card
  • Any medical records
  • A list of medications you are taking
  • The results from your Wellness Assessment
  • A list of questions you’d like to ask your doctor — don’t be shy!

What to ask your care team

Every time you talk to a health care provider — PCP, specialist, a nurse or another person on your care team — we recommend asking these three basic questions:

1

What is my main problem?

2

What do I need to do?

3

Why is it important for me to do this?

If you have more questions

When can I ask questions?

Anytime! For example, you can ask your PCP questions during your visit, before or after your physical exam or medical test. You can ask your nurse when you are having your vital signs taken. You can also securely message Customer Care by logging in to your Sharp Health Plan online account.

What if I ask and still don't understand?

Let your PCP, nurse or provider know if you still don’t understand. You could say, “This is new to me. Will you please explain that to me one more time?”

I'm nervous asking questions. What should I do?

Know that you aren’t alone, and it’s OK to feel nervous — everyone wants help when it comes to understanding health information. When you see your doctor, specialist or nurse, take your time in asking questions. You should never feel rushed or embarrassed if you don’t understand something. It’s OK to ask your provider as many times as you need to.

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