What do I need to know about primary care physicians and specialists?

There are many reasons you might need to see a doctor. Sometimes, you need to see your primary care physician for a routine checkup or preventive care such as immunizations. Other times, you might need treatment when you’re sick. And in some cases, you might have a more serious injury or illness and need to see a specialist.

No matter what your coverage is, we have doctors and other health care professionals with specialties available in many areas. While some groups can require you to pay more for specialty care, the office visit copays for the categories listed below cost the same as a regular visit to a health care professional or your primary care physician. 

If you need to see a specialist in another area, such as a dermatologist, you’ll need to obtain a referral from your primary care physician. With some plans, you can choose to see a specialist without a referral, but your cost of care might be higher.

If you want to select or change your primary care physician, you can do that online. Just log in to your account to choose a primary care physician, or call the number on the back of your ID card.

You can also view or change your primary care physician with our mobile app. Log in, select Find a Doctor and then My Primary Care Physicians.

Related Items

• How can I choose or change my primary care physician?
• How do I find a doctor?
• How do referrals work in my HMO plan?
• Subscriber New Enrollment Form
• Blue Care Network Primary Care Physician Selection Form