Primary Care Provider (PCP) – PCPs, also called family doctors, are general or family practitioners. Also, they can be internists, pediatricians, OB/GYNs, certified nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners. He or she will give checkups, medical advice, immunizations and referrals to specialists, when needed.
Specialist – A provider who has specific training beyond PCP training and can treat you for special medical conditions. Examples of specialists are obstetricians, dermatologists and podiatrists.
Specialty Care – Any care that is provided by a specialist. These services may or may not need a referral from your PCP. Specialty care services that do not need a referral are called “self-referral” services.
If you need more information about your PCP, specialist or other CareFirst Community Health Plan Maryland (CareFirst CHPMD) provider please call Member Services at 1-410-779-9369 or 1-800-730-8530. Member Services Representatives can give you information about your practitioner including:
- Contact information
- Office locations
- Professional qualifications
- Medical specialty
- Medical education and training
- Board certification status
For female enrollees, if your PCP is not a women’s health specialist, you have the right to see a women’s health specialist within the CareFirst CHPMD network without a referral for covered routine and preventive health care services.
