Navigating A Doctor Change With Ar Kids First Insurance: A Step-By-Step Guide For Parents

If you have ARKids First insurance and want to change doctors, there are several steps you can take to ensure a smooth transition. Firstly, it's important to identify your reasons for wanting to change, as you may be able to resolve any issues with your current doctor. Common reasons for changing doctors include communication problems, long wait times, changes in insurance, or changes in healthcare needs. Once you've decided to change doctors, you can call the ConnectCare helpline at 1-800-275-1131 (or 1-800-285-1131 for TDD) or visit your local DHS office to find a new doctor. You can also ask your health insurer for a list of in-network providers in your area or use online doctor-rating websites. When you've found a new doctor, it's a good idea to schedule a final visit with your current doctor to get a status report and request copies of your medical records and prescription refills. By taking these steps, you can ensure that your transition to a new doctor is problem-free and that there are no gaps in your care.

Call the ConnectCare helpline to change your PCP

Changing your Primary Care Physician (PCP) can be a smooth process if you follow a few simple steps. While you don't need a reason to leave your current PCP, it's good to identify your concerns to ensure you're taking the right steps. If you have ARKids First Insurance and want to change your PCP, calling the ConnectCare helpline is a direct way to do this.

ConnectCare is an Arkansas Medicaid program that assists Medicaid and ARKids First families in setting up a medical home by helping them find a doctor/PCP and dental care. The helpline can help you change doctors/PCPs, as well as provide information and phone numbers for other helpful programs. They also offer bilingual services in Spanish and Marshallese.

To change your PCP, call the ConnectCare helpline at 1-800-275-1131 (or 1-800-285-1131 for TDD). The line is open from 8 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. It is important to make the transition from your old PCP to a new one as smooth as possible to prevent any breaks in your care, prescriptions from running out, and problems with insurance.

When changing your PCP, it is a good idea to first identify your specific needs and prepare any questions you may have for your new PCP. You can ask your health insurer for a list of in-network providers in your area or visit the insurer's website. If you are on good terms with your current PCP, you can also ask them for a referral. Friends and co-workers can also be good resources for recommendations.

Once you have found a new PCP, it is a good idea to schedule a final visit with your current PCP to get a status report on your condition, request copies of your medical records, and ask for prescription refills during the transition. While it is not necessary, it can be beneficial to inform your old PCP of your decision to leave, especially if you are leaving on good terms. This can help to avoid any awkwardness in the future and start your relationship with your new PCP on a positive note.

Remember, you have the right to switch healthcare providers, and by calling the ConnectCare helpline, you can easily change your PCP if you have ARKids First Insurance.

Pick three doctors for each family member on ARKids First

To change doctors with ARKids First insurance, you must first pick three doctors for each family member on the insurance plan. Here are some detailed instructions and considerations to keep in mind when selecting these doctors:

• Location: The doctor's clinic must be located in the county where you live or in a neighbouring county. If you live in a county bordering another state (Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, or Tennessee), you can choose a doctor in a city on the border of that state.
• Acceptance of Insurance: Ensure that the doctor accepts ARKids First insurance.
• Distance: Consider the distance of the doctor's clinic from your home.
• Special Needs: If you or your family members have special needs, choose a doctor that offers the specific services you require.
• Hospital Preference: If you have a preferred hospital, select a doctor who sends patients to that hospital. Keep in mind that for emergency care, you can go to any hospital without a referral.
• Language: If a family member does not speak English, choose a doctor who can communicate in their language.

Once you have selected your preferred doctors, you can call the ConnectCare helpline at 1-800-275-1131 (TDD: 1-800-285-1131) or visit your local Department of Human Services (DHS) office to make the change. If one of your chosen doctors cannot take more patients, the DHS will try to assign you your next choice.

Choose a doctor in your county or a bordering county

Choosing a doctor in your county or a bordering county is an important step in ensuring easy access to healthcare services for you and your family. Here are some detailed instructions and considerations to help you make an informed decision:

• Location and Convenience: Select a doctor whose clinic is located in your county or a bordering county. This is especially important if you live near a state border, such as Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, or Tennessee. By choosing a doctor in a convenient location, you can reduce travel time and make it easier to access their services.
• Provider Directories: Utilize provider directories to find doctors in your area who accept ARKids First insurance. You can refer to the ConnectCare program by calling their helpline at 1-800-275-1131 (TDD: 1-800-285-1131) or visiting the DHS office in your county. They can provide you with a list of PCPs (Primary Care Physicians) who accept ARKids First and Medicaid.
• Specialty and Services: Consider any special medical needs that you or your family members may have. Look for a doctor who offers the specific services you require. This can include specialized care, such as pediatrics, obstetrics, or cardiology. Additionally, if any of your family members require non-English language support, choose a doctor who speaks their language to ensure effective communication.
• Hospital Affiliation: If you have a preferred hospital, ensure that the doctor you choose has privileges at that hospital. This is important because, in non-emergency situations, your doctor will typically refer you to a hospital or specialist within their network.
• Lab and Testing Facilities: Inquire about the laboratory and testing facilities that the doctor uses. Confirm if they are also in-network providers, as this can impact your out-of-pocket costs.
• Availability and Appointment Scheduling: Consider the doctor's availability and how far in advance you need to schedule appointments. Ask about their process for urgent care and after-hours emergency situations. Understanding their scheduling policies will help you determine if they can accommodate your needs.
• Patient Reviews and Ratings: Research the doctor's credentials, certifications, and patient reviews. Websites like ZocDoc and Healthgrades offer ratings and reviews from other patients, giving you insight into the quality of care and patient satisfaction.
• Insurance Acceptance: Verify that the doctor accepts your ARKids First insurance. Additionally, clarify if there are any co-payments or out-of-pocket expenses for specific services covered by your insurance plan.
• Referrals and Recommendations: Ask your current doctor, friends, or co-workers for referrals or recommendations. They may have insights or personal experiences that can help guide your decision.
• Communication and Relationship: Consider how well you are able to communicate with the doctor and their staff. Choose a doctor with whom you feel comfortable discussing your health concerns and who listens to your questions and priorities.

Remember, it is your right to choose a provider that best suits your needs and ensures you receive quality healthcare services. Take your time, do your research, and don't hesitate to reach out to the ARKids First hotline or ConnectCare helpline for assistance in selecting a doctor in your county or a bordering county.

Select a doctor that suits your family's needs

Finding a family doctor that suits your family's needs is an important step in promoting your overall health and well-being. A family doctor is trained to treat all areas of care and can care for you as a whole person through all stages of your life, regardless of your age or sex. They build a caring relationship with you and your family and help you make good decisions about your health.

• Ask for recommendations from people you know: Getting a reference from someone you know and trust is a great way to find a doctor. Ask friends, family members, neighbours, or co-workers if they have a doctor they like.
• Check with your insurance company: If you have health insurance, you may need to choose a doctor from a list of plan-approved doctors, called a network. Check the terms of your insurance coverage to find out if the plan will cover visits to the doctor you are considering. If the doctor does not participate in your health plan, find out how much you will have to pay out-of-pocket for visits.
• Decide what you are looking for in a doctor: Make a list of qualities that matter to you. For example, is it important that your doctor has evening office hours, is associated with a specific hospital, or speaks your language?
• Make a list of possible doctors: Ask friends and relatives, medical specialists, and other health professionals for the names of doctors with whom they have had good experiences.
• Gather information about the doctors you are considering: Call the offices of the doctors you are considering to get more information. Important questions to ask include: Are they taking new patients? Do they accept your insurance? What are their office hours? Do they have specific interests or specialities within family medicine?
• Think about your experience after the first visit: Did the doctor and office staff make you feel comfortable during your appointment? Did they explain things in a way that was easy to understand? Did they listen carefully to you?
• Consider the location of the doctor's office: Will it be easy for you to get there? Can you get there using public transportation? Is there enough parking?
• Check which hospitals the doctor uses: Are you comfortable with being treated at one of these hospitals should the need arise? Does your insurance cover care provided at these hospitals?
• Find out about routine X-rays and lab tests: Can these be done in the doctor's office, or will you have to go to an outside lab?
• Inquire about wait times for appointments: How long must you wait for an appointment after you call? Can you be seen on the same day if you have an urgent need?

You can change doctors within a practice

If you are in the US, you have the right to switch healthcare providers. You can change doctors within a practice as long as the new provider is willing to take you as a patient and you have insurance or another means to pay. It is advisable to inform your old provider of your intention to switch to someone else in the practice.

• Identify your specific needs and prepare any questions you want to ask the new doctor.
• Ask your health insurer for a list of in-network providers in your area. You can usually do this on your insurer's website.
• Check the provider's credentials, certifications, infractions, and ratings through organizations such as the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) or your state medical licensing association.
• Call the provider's office to see if they are accepting new patients. Check their fees and whether they accept your insurance or other forms of payment.
• Make an appointment for an initial visit with the new doctor.
• Schedule a final visit with your current doctor to get a status report and request copies of your medical records and prescription refills.
• Inform your old doctor of your decision to switch, especially if you are leaving on good terms. This can help prevent any awkwardness in the future.
• Have your medical records transferred to the new doctor.

Frequently asked questions