Page 8 - New Hire Kit (Non-Union)
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Your personal doctor                                                                                                   Getting the most out of your appointment



                        Your personal doctor, also known as your primary care physician or PCP, is who you will see if you need a              It's your doctor's job to offer advice about any health problems and explain things in a way that is easy to understand.
                        check-up or routine care, want advice about a health problem, or get sick or hurt. They make sure you get care         Follow this checklist to help you to make the most of your time with your personal doctor.
                        as soon as you need it, and it’s their job to listen carefully and explain things in a way that is easy to understand.
                                                                                                                                                 Appointment Checklist

                        Partner with your PCP                                                                                                    Do you want to talk about a health problem?                             Yes                   No

                        Your PCP is your partner in health. Whether it's your first visit or an annual visit, they will ensure you get routine
                        care and checkups as soon as you need to. Here are a few things to know:                                                 If yes, what health problem/s do you want to talk about? Why?

                        •  Call your PCP first for all of your health care needs. If you are a new patient, be sure to forward a copy of
                          your medical records to your PCP before your first appointment.

                        •  Make sure to tell your PCP about your health history, current treatments, medical conditions, and                     Do you want to change a medication?                                     Yes                   No
                          medications you are taking in addition to any other doctors treating you. Don’t forget to bring your member
                          ID card to your appointment.
                                                                                                                                                 If yes, which medication do you want to change? Why?
                        •  Call your PCP to arrange your annual preventive care visit.  And be sure to bring the results of your
                                                                           *
                          Wellness Assessment (visit page 16 to learn more). If you have never been seen by your PCP, you should
                          make an appointment for an initial visit.
                        •  If you have a non-emergency situation that cannot wait until the next business day, you may contact                   Do you want to talk about a medical test?                             Yes                   No
                          your PCP's office 24 hours a day.  If your PCP is not available, or if it is after their regular business hours,
                          leave your name and phone number with their answering service to receive a call back from a physician or
                          qualified health care professional within 30 minutes.                                                                  If yes, which medical test do you want to talk about? Why?
                        •  If you need immediate advice or guidance after hours, you can call our After-Hours Nurse Line at
                          1-800-359-2002 to talk to a trained registered nurse.

                                                                                                                                                 Do you want to talk about a surgery or treatment option?                Yes                   No


                                                                                                                                                 If yes, which surgery or treatment option do you want to talk about? Why?





                                                                    Did you know?

                                                                    It is a good idea to stay with a PCP. They can get to                      Choose or change your PCP in 3 easy steps
                                                                    know your health needs and history. However, with
                                                                    Sharp Health Plan you may change to a different PCP
                                                                    in your plan network whenever you like. For more                                                  Finding a new PCP is only a click away. Simply visit sharphealthplan.com/findadoctor
                                                                    information, follow the steps on the next page.                               1      Click        for a full listing of doctors in your plan network.


                                                                                                                                                                      You can search by plan network, specialty, language preference, gender, location
                                                                                                                                                  2      Search       or name. PCPs specialize in family medicine, general practice, internal medicine
                                                                                                                                                                      or pediatrics. Be sure to search for PCPs in your plan network, as listed on your
                                                                                                                                                                      member ID card.

                                                                                                                                                                      Once you choose your PCP, make it official by logging in to your Sharp Connect
                                                                                                                                                  3      Choose       account at sharphealthplan.com/login. You can also make the change by emailing
                                                                                                                                                                      customer.service@sharp.com or calling 1-800-359-2002. In most cases, the change
                                                                                                                                                                      will be effective the first day of the following month. Then you’ll receive an updated
                                                                    *   Not all providers will conduct a preventive care exam on the initial visit.
                                                                     When establishing care with a new PCP, please ask your provider about                            member ID card with your new PCP and PMG.
                                                                     their policies on preventive care visits.

         6        We’re here to help!   |   sharphealthplan.com                                                                                                                                                                                            7
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