Choose a Primary Care Provider for better health and to save money

Having a primary care provider (PCP) is an important part of your health care journey. When you have a relationship with a PCP, they know your overall health situation and your health history. Your PCP can help you manage chronic conditions, coordinate your care with other providers and help you navigate your health care. Having one dedicated provider who knows you and your health history will result in more personalized care for you.

Your PCP can help you save money

If you are enrolled in the HealthSelect of Texas® medical plan, you must have a PCP on file with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) to get the highest level of benefits. An in-network PCP will help you keep your health care costs down.

Once you make your PCP selection, most services must be coordinated through your PCP. If you have not named an in-network PCP after your first 60 days in HealthSelect of Texas, you will pay at the out-of-network level for the care you get – even if you see in-network providers – until you have a PCP on file with BCBSTX.

Your PCP serves as your first point of contact to treat and coordinate your health care needs. They are usually the first person you call (unless it’s an emergency) to take care of you when you are sick or refer you to specialists if you need more care. Your PCP can also help you stay up to date with yearly exams, immunizations and health screenings and will write orders for lab and imaging services.

Consumer Directed HealthSelectSM, HealthSelectSM Secondary and HealthSelectSM Out-of-State participants are not required to have a PCP on file with BCBSTX or get referrals to see specialists, but it’s a good idea for everyone to have a trusted provider managing their care.

Find your PCP

You can choose your PCP online by following these steps.

  1. Log in to Blue Access for Members by clicking on “Log In” in the upper right corner at www.healthselectoftexas.com.
  2. Click on the “Find Care” tab. On the Find Care page, see your current PCP on the right-hand side for each covered family member, if you already have one.
  3. From the dropdown menu, choose who you would like to choose a PCP for, then click on “Change PCP.”
  4. Enter your search criteria for a provider by location or provider name. Follow the prompts to choose a new PCP.

Once you choose a PCP and submit it to BCBSTX, you will get a new medical ID card with your PCP listed. Be sure to take your medical ID card with you or have it electronically when you get services, in case you are asked for it.

Take the next step for your health

Once you choose your PCP, the next step is to get your annual preventive check-up, if you haven’t had one already this year. Preventive check-ups and screenings are important for maintaining wellness and long-term health. Your health plan covers 100% of the cost of recommended, in-network preventive care. Call your PCP today to schedule your annual check-up appointment.

Have questions or need help?

If you need help with finding or choosing an in-network PCP, call a BCBSTX Personal Health Assistant toll-free at (800) 252-8039 (TTY: 711), Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Saturday, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. CT. BCBSTX Personal Health Assistants can also help you schedule appointments with your providers.