A Primary Care Physician (PCP) is the medical professional that provides preventative care through general checkups and provides treatment for routine, minor conditions. PCPs are the individuals sought out for colds, minor rashes, vaccines, etc. A PCP will not take emergency visitations such as a broken arm. In cases where a Primary Care Physician feels uncertain or unable to treat a patient, a referral to a specialist can be made or the patient can be sent to a local hospital.
There are a variety of PCPs; for more information Nemours Kids Health offers the following resource: What's a Primary Care Physician (PCP)?
If you have an open DCPP case you may have an assigned Child Health Nurse; the Child Health Unit (CHU) nurse can provide health care consultation and assist with referrals to specialist as needed. Contact your DCPP worker for more info.
Additionally, there may be resources through your health insurance, which can direct you to a PCP who’s covered under your health insurance.
All children in out-of-home placement must be enrolled in a Managed Care Organization (MCO). MCO Care Managers are a valuable resource to the CHUs and DCP&P. They can identify Primary Care and Specialty providers for needed services, assist with coordination of care and assist in navigating the managed care system. The MCO Case Manager can help resolve issues when barriers are encountered such as denial of medications, a need for Durable Medical Equipment, or other health care services. The MCO Care Managers should be contacted directly with any issues regarding access to covered services or navigating the MCO benefit plan.
To find a doctor who accepts your insurance please contact your HMO Member services. Your HMO is listed on your insurance card.
- Aetna: 1-855-232-3596
Find a provider | Aetna Better Health of New Jersey - Amerigroup New Jersey, Inc.: 1-800-600-4441
Amerigroup - Search homepage (healthsparq.com)
- Horizon NJ Health: 1-800-682-9094
Find Horizon NJ Health Doctors - Horizon NJ Health - United Healthcare Community Plan: 1-855-202-0713
Select Plan | Guided Search | Find Care (werally.com) - WellCare Health Plans of NJ: 1-888-453-2534
To replace your HMO card call the number above.
Find a Provider | Wellcare
Physical exams should be scheduled annually by visiting your Primary Care Physician and/or OB-GYN. Exams can vary in length due to a multitude of factors, such as how much medical history is known, if this is a regularly visited PCP, etc. During a Physical, the PCP could check the following:
- Vitals (temperature, respiration, blood oxygen levels, heart rate, and blood pressure)
- Urinalysis
- Hernia Exam
- Abdominal Exam
- Visual Exam
- Complete blood count & blood testing
- Testicular Exam
- Pelvic Exam
- Breast Exam
- Questions about medical/family history
- Overview of Physical Appearance
- General questions around wellness, stress, and diet
Tests can be specialized depending on sex. For more information Healthline offers the following resource: Getting a Physical Examination
A Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) has health care services and clinics that serve the needs of the entire family unit and offers services to patients who are uninsured, insured, or use Medicaid. Your bill is based on your ability to pay.
- Pediatric Services/Well-Baby Care
- Women’s Health/Prenatal Care
- Adolescent Health
- Internal and Family Medicine
- Geriatrics
- Foot Care
- Mental Health
- Dental Care
- Social Services
- Case Management
- Nutritional Counseling (WIC)
- Health Education
- Evaluation for Sexually Transmitted Diseases
- HIV/AIDS Counseling and Testing
- HIV/Hepatitis-C Medical Care
- Eligibility for Medicare/Medicaid
- Laboratory Services
- Referrals for Specialty Care
- Pharmacy Services
- Outreach and Marketing
- Patient Transportation
Follow the link to search the NJ Department of Health to search for Federally Qualified Health Centers.
The National Institutes of Health has a Physical Wellness Toolkit with a multitude of resources to provide information on different aspects of human health, exercise, and nutrition.
To access the toolkit you can visit their website at this link: Physical Wellness Toolkit