Do I always have to see my Primary Care Ph ysician to be referred to a specialist?

All female Health Net members can self-refer, within their Participating Physician Group, for Obstetrical and Gynecological (OB/GYN) services. For other referrals, your Primary Care Physician will determine if an office visit is necessary. Generally, Primary Care Physicians refer exclusively to specialist physicians who are Participating Providers within their common Participating Physician Group.

When the Primary Care Physician refers a member for ongoing specialist treatments, the member does not need a referral before each visit. However, the Primary Care Physician must initiate all specialty referrals. If the specialist recommends that the member see another doctor, the Primary Care Physician must issue another referral.