The Importance of Coordinated Care

Whether it’s coordinating care or managing treatments or medications, keeping your primary care provider up to date on your care team helps them — and you — make the best choices

Having a primary care provider (PCP) you like and trust is one of the most important ways to manage your health. In addition to providing your annual physical and wellness visit, your PCP can act as your main point of contact for all things health. They can also help connect you to other specialists, review your medications and even create a personalized care plan to help keep you healthy.

Connect Your Care Team

Not sure what — or who — we mean by a care team? Basically, a care team is made up of any health professionals you see, including those you may have seen at an urgent care or hospital visit.

You
As the center of your care team, you have a special role. You know the different providers you’ve seen — and when and why you’ve seen them — so it’s especially important to share this knowledge with your PCP and any specialists you see. We want you to get the care you may need, and a well-rounded team can help make that happen.

Primary care provider (PCP)
This is the provider you see for your regular checkups. They coordinate your health care as the main point person and keep a complete record of your medications, tests, vaccines and treatments.

Specialists
Specialists could include cardiologists, radiologists, urologists, psychiatrists, surgeons, allergy specialists and more. Be sure to tell your PCP if you visit any specialists.

Pharmacists
Pharmacists can do more than fill your prescriptions. They can alert you to potential side effects, review your medication profile and see if any of your current medications might interact with new prescriptions.

Mental health professionals
Getting help from therapists, counselors, psychologists and other behavioral health professionals can be just as important as keeping up with your physical health care.

Dentist
Regular professional cleaning and treatment can help you keep your pearly whites healthy and help protect you from other health issues such as diabetes, stroke and heart disease.

Family and friends
While it’s important to lean on the people who love you for support, there may be times when a family member or friend might take on an even bigger role in your health care. You may even consider making this person an authorized representative. This is someone you choose to legally help with — or handle affairs related to — your health care. Often, this person is a trusted caregiver. An authorized representative isn’t always needed, but having one can be useful in many cases.

To name an authorized representative or add someone to your personal support network, click here. Or call us at the number on your member ID card.

Manage Medications

Click here to review your plan coverage and estimate costs — and you may even find ways to save money. You can also find a pharmacy near you and more. And remember, your PCP is there to help if you have a question.

Need Help Finding a Provider?

You can search for a PCP and other care providers on your member site or call Customer Service at the number on your member ID card.

Annual Care Checklist

You can count on UnitedHealthcare to help you prepare for provider visits so you can get the care you need, when you need it. Take this checklist to your next appointment.

Click here to print your Annual Care Checklist

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This publication is for informational purposes only and does not replace the care or advice of a doctor. Always talk with a doctor before beginning any exercise program, therapy or medication. Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information. Limitations, copayments and restrictions may apply. Benefits, premium and/or copayments/coinsurance may change on January 1 of each year. UnitedHealthcare does not provide any assurances nor accept any responsibility or liability regarding the quality, nutritional value, or safety of the included recipes.