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Healthfirst NJ
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Newark, NJ 07102

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Already a Healthfirst NJ FamilyCare member? For answers to your questions, contact us at:
1-888-GO4-HFNJ (1-888-464-4365)
TDD/TTY English
1-800-852-7897
TDD/TTY Español
1-866-658-7714
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Already a Healthfirst NJ
Medicare member? For
answers to your questions, contact us at:

 1-877-GO4-HFNJ
(1-877-464-4365)
TDD/TTY English
1-800-852-7897
TDD/TTY Español
1-866-658-7714
Monday - Sunday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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Choosing a Primary Doctor

   

 

Your Primary Doctor (also known as a “Primary Care Physician” or “PCP”) is a doctor who is trained to give you basic health care. This will be the first doctor you see for most of your health needs, and to make sure you stay healthy.
 
If you do not choose a doctor when you sign up for your plan or program, Healthfirst NJ will pick one for you. You are allowed to choose a different doctor at any time – just call us to make the change. 
 
You can choose a different doctor for every family member covered by Healthfirst NJ, or you can choose one doctor to take care of your whole family.
 

I want to:

How to Select a Primary Doctor

There are lots of Primary Doctor choices.
Where should I start?

When choosing a Primary Doctor, consider one who:

  • You have seen before and understands your health problems;
  • Is taking new patients;
  • Can speak your first language; and
  • Is in your neighborhood.

What type of doctor can I choose to be my Primary Doctor?

Many different types of doctors can also be your Primary Doctor.

Some examples of good Primary Doctors are: 

  • Family Practice: These doctors can treat your entire family.
  • Pediatricians: These doctors are specially trained to help children.
  • Internal Medicine: These doctors usually treat adults.
  • OB/GYN (obstetrics/gynecology): These doctors are specially trained to help women.
 

How do I find a d   octor?

To help find the doctor that is right for you please use our Find a Doctor tool.
   
This tool will: 

  • List all of the doctors who work with Healthfirst NJ;
  • Give you the address, phone number, and special training for each doctor;
  • Show which doctors are taking new patients. (Note: You should call the doctors' offices to make sure he/she is taking new patients at the time you choose a PCP.)

What if my Primary Doctor leaves Healthfirst NJ?

If your doctor leaves Healthfirst NJ, we will let you know within 15 days of the doctor telling us he or she is leaving the network. We can then help you find a new Primary Doctor.
 
My doctor does not take Healthfirst NJ insurance. Can I keep seeing my doctor?
If you are more than 3 months pregnant, or if you are receiving ongoing treatment for a health condition, Healthfirst NJ may cover that doctor’s costs for a short time:
  • If you are pregnant, you may continue to see your doctor for up to 60 days after your baby is born.
  • If you are seeing a doctor for an ongoing condition, you may continue seeing him or her for up to 90 days. You will then need to see a Healthfirst NJ doctor for treatment. Please talk to your current doctor about the best way to change to a Healthfirst NJ doctor.
  • Important Note: Your current doctor must agree to work with Healthfirst NJ during this 90-day period. If any of these conditions apply to you, check with your Primary Doctor or call Healthfirst NJ. We’re here to help.

 

Last update 2013-03-27 08:36