ICHP: PCMP’s and Medical Homes

Your Primary Care Medical Provider (PCMP)

Your PCMP is your Medical Home. Your Primary Care Medical Provider (PCMP) takes care of all your main health care needs. Your PCP will get to know your health history, take care of your basic medical needs, and make referrals when you need them. He or she will work with you to keep you healthy! Your PCP is with you for the long term.

Give you most of the medical services you need.
Set up your medical services and visits to specialists.
Order prescriptions or tests for you.
Keep your medical records up-to-date.
Give you advice and answer your questions about your health needs.
Give you regular physical exams.
Give you covered immunizations (shots) as needed.
Keep track of your preventive health needs such as screenings (mammograms, pap smears, etc.) and immunizations (shots).
Talk with you about advance health directives.

It is important to get regular check-ups. Your PCMP will decide how often you need to get a check-up. A check-up can find health problems early – before they become serious.

If you have not seen a doctor for a while, or if you have been getting your care through the emergency room, you should make an appointment for a check-up with your PCMP.

Your PCMP can talk to you about your health needs and give you advice about things you can do to stay healthy. They include:

Family Planning services
Education about good eating habits
Exercise Programs
Programs to quit smoking

If you are pregnant, you should see your provider right away for prenatal care. You should not drink alcohol, take any drugs not prescribed by your PCMP, or smoke. It is unhealthy for you and your baby.

Because you are a partner in your care, it is important that you give your PCMP all of the information he/she needs to make good medical decisions. It is important that your PCP knows your medical history, allergies, diseases or other problems. It is important to be honest and open with your PCMP. This means telling the truth about your good and bad habits.

It is also important to keep your appointments. When you need to see your PCP, call the office for an appointment. Your appointment time is important and should be taken seriously. Please arrive at your appointments on time. If you cannot keep an appointment, call the office right away and let them know. When you call to cancel, you can make another appointment. If you do not call to cancel, this is a “no show.” Some offices may refuse to see you again if you are a frequent “no show.” This is not a punishment. It is because the doctor’s time is valuable. If you miss an appointment, you may be taking away time from another patient who needs health care.

If you would like to know about any provider’s education, board certification, or training, please call Member Services. We can mail this information to you.