Doctors and Hospitals

Doctors

You will choose a doctor from the L.A. Care Provider Directory as your PCP.
The doctor you choose must be an in-network provider.

To get a copy of the L.A. Care Provider Directory, download it from the Medi-Cal Member Materials page or call Member Services at 1-888-839-9909 (TTY: 711) to have one sent to you.

If you are choosing a new PCP, you should also call the PCP you want to make sure they are taking new patients.

If you had a doctor before you were a member of L.A. Care, and that doctor is not part of the L.A. Care network, you might be able to keep that doctor for a limited time. This is called continuity of care. You can learn more in the Continuity of Care section of this handbook or call L.A Care Member Services at 1-888-839-9909 (TTY: 711). 

If you need a specialist, your PCP will refer you to a specialist in the L.A. Care network. Some specialists do not require a referral. For more information, go to the Referrals section of this handbook.

Remember, if you do not choose a PCP, L.A. Care will choose one for you, unless you have other comprehensive health coverage in addition to Medi-Cal. You know your health care needs best, so it is best if you choose.
If you are in both Medicare and Medi-Cal, or if you have other health care insurance, you do not have to choose a PCP from L.A. Care.

If you want to change your PCP, you must choose a PCP from the L.A. Care Provider Directory.
Be sure the PCP is taking new patients.

To change your PCP, call L.A. Care Member Services at 1-888-839-9909 (TTY: 711). You may
also change your PCP by logging onto the L.A. Care Connect member portal.

Hospitals

In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital.

If it is not an emergency and you need hospital care, your PCP will decide which hospital you go to. You will need to go to a hospital that your PCP uses and is in the L.A. Care provider network. The hospitals in the L.A. Care network are listed in the Provider Directory