1. Home
  2. Members
  3. Types of care
  4. Care from specialists    

Get treatment from an expert

Special health circumstances call for a special kind of doctor.

A specialist is a doctor who focuses on one area of medicine. They can help you get specialized care when medical issues go beyond the scope of your primary care physician (PCP). Except for OBGYN services for women, seeing a specialist will usually require a referral from your PCP. Please work with your PCP to obtain any needed referrals, and to find the best fit for your specialty needs.

Tip: for Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group members

If Sharp Rees-Stealy is your plan medical group, you also have direct access to specialists in allergy, ophthalmology (surgical eye care), otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat) and podiatry (foot care). You can schedule an appointment with these specialists without a referral from your PCP. Check the plan medical group on the front of your member ID card to see if you’re assigned to Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group.

Types of specialty care

We’re proud of all of our specialty areas. Below are just a few highlights.

  • Addiction
  • Cardiovascular surgery
  • Dermatology
  • Maternal fetal medicine
  • Orthopedic surgery
  • Oncology/hematology
  • Pediatrics

Do I need a referral?

In most cases, your PCP will refer you to a specialist when needed. Be sure to let your doctor know if you have particular needs or preferences.

Man on laptop

Log in to your account to see plan coverage details

Coverage varies depending on your benefit plan. Log in to your Sharp Connect account for specific details on your plan, including copayments and specialist visits.

LOG IN TO SEE DETAILS

Find a specialist who’s right for you.

Once you have a referral, you can pick a specialist. If you’re seeing a specialist and for some reason aren’t satisfied with your care, you can pick a new one.

Start your search
Doctor

Scheduling an appointment

With a referral, you can contact the specialist’s office directly to schedule an appointment. Check with your specialist — some may offer video and phone visits.

Timely access standards

Ensuring that our members can get the care they need is extremely important to us.

LEARN MORE

Additional resources

Browse our featured articles of The Sharp Experience below:

What-to-expect-from-your-first-oncology-HN1428-visit-Dr-Norton-Logo-Sized

Featured article

What to expect at your first oncology visit

Dr. Marilyn Norton, an oncologist at Sharp Chula Vista’s Barnhart Cancer Center, shares her advice for making the most of a first oncology appointment.

Read article
Cardiac-Patient-Narrative-Story-HN1793-Logo-Sized

Featured article

Finding hope through cardiac rehabilitation

After multiple heart surgeries, Sharp Memorial's Cardiac Rehabilitation Program helped Mike return to an active life.

Read article