Choosing and visiting a primary care provider (PCP) is a great way to support you and your family’s health. Research shows that people who have a relationship with a primary care provider are more likely to receive high-value care, have better access to care, and report a higher satisfaction with their health care. (Source: JAMA Internal Medicine, March 2019)
What is a Primary Care Provider (PCP)?
Your PCP is the provider you visit for most medical needs, including preventive screenings, care for chronic conditions, and non-emergency illnesses. Your PCP is the person you speak to about your health questions and concerns, both mental and physical. They will also be the one to refer you to a specialist, if needed. Seeing your PCP regularly may help you avoid more costly care, such as an emergency room visit.
A PCP can be a doctor, physician assistant or nurse practitioner and includes a wide variety of specialties like family practice, pediatrics, obstetrics/gynecology, and geriatrics. For a more complete list of primary care specialties, see the making informed health care decisions page on the Balanced You website.
Having a PCP is required by some health plans.
Kaiser Permanente and KingCare Select plans request that you select your PCP, or they will assign you one. This assignment makes it easier for the provider to manage your care. You can still see other doctors and you can change your PCP at any time.
While KingCare PPO doesn’t require you to choose a PCP, it’s still a good idea for you to see a PCP for routine and urgent care needs.
How to find a PCP.
Regence BlueShield members (KingCare and KingCare Select)
Members enrolled in Regence can find an in-network PCP by visiting the Regence website or by contacting Regence Customer service.
Regence website: visit the Regence Pick-a-PCP page. You can search for a doctor using filters like location, gender, languages spoken, ethnicity, if they’re accepting new patients, offer telehealth, or are open during evening/weekend hours.
Regence Customer Service: If you prefer in-person help, call the Regence Customer Service phone number on the back of your member ID card or 1-888-367-2112.
If you’re in a KingCare Select plan, let Regence know who your PCP is by sending a secure email through your Regence online account or calling Regence Customer Service.
If you don’t choose a PCP, Regence will assign you to the PCP you’ve seen in the past year or select one for you based on where you live if you are new to the plan. You can change your PCP at any time. Your PCP’s name is printed on your member ID card.
Kaiser Permanente Members (SmartCare)
Kaiser Permanente (SmartCare) Members are assigned a PCP within ninety days on joining the plan. You can also change your PCP at any time. The best way to find a Kaiser Permanente PCP is to log in to your account. You’ll be prompted to create an account if you don’t have one.
Alternatively, you can call member services for help at 206-630-4636 or 888-901-4636, Be sure to have your Kaiser member ID card when you call or search online.
If you need more support, please contact our benefits team: Phone 206-684-1556 or
Email kc.benefits@kingcounty.gov
This article was updated Dec. 3, 2024
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