Selecting an Obstetrician/Gynecologist

Please Note: This information only applies to Care Choices HMO Members.

All Care Choices members must choose a Care Choices HMO primary care physician (PCP) for general health care needs. This doctor can be a family practitioner or an internist. When it comes to obstetrical and gynecological care, please understand the following:

• Who do I see for obstetrical and gynecological care? Women can receive obstetrical and gynecological care from their family practitioner or from a Care Choices HMO obstetrician and/or gynecologist.
  
• What types of gynecological care can family practitioners provide? Family practitioners provide routine gynecological care, and many family practitioners provide obstetrical care. Please ask your primary care physician if he or she provides these services.
  
• Do I need a referral for obstetrical or gynecological services? If you choose to see a Care Choices HMO obstetrician and/or gynecologist for annual well-woman and routine obstetrical or gynecological services, you do not need a referral from your primary care physician. Your primary care physician must, however, coordinate all of your other care including care such as non-birth related surgeries.
  
• How do I add my newborn to my Care Choices HMO policy? If you want your newborn to be covered through Care Choices HMO, you have only 30 days from the date of your baby's birth to add him or her to your Care Choices HMO policy. Contact your employer to add your baby to your policy.

For more information on obstetrical and gynecological services, please call our Customer Service department or talk to your primary care physician.