1. See your doctor first
Your doctor handles most of your medical care, like:
- Routine checkups
- Sick visits, such as colds, flu and fever
- Chronic illnesses, like asthma and diabetes
- Order medical tests
Your doctor also handles your preventive care, such as vaccines, shots, health screenings and other tests. Preventive care is about preventing disease. Regular checkups, even when you are not sick, can help your doctor spot a health problem early and treat it before it gets worse.
2. Getting care from a specialist
When you need specialty care, your doctor will refer you to a specialist.
This is how referrals work:
- When the request is received by IEHP, a decision will be made within 5 business days for a regular referral.
- For an urgent referral, this is done within 72 business hours.
- For a regular referral, expect a letter from your medical group or IEHP within 2 days after a decision has been made.
- When the request is approved, call your specialist to make an appointment. If the request is denied, talk to your doctor or call IEHP member services at 1-800-440-IEHP (4347) or 1-800-718-IEHP (4347) (TTY) to learn more.
3. Getting your medicine
You can fill your prescription at any IEHP contracted pharmacy. There are more than 760 pharmacies in our network. From major chains, like Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, Walmart and many others. To find one close to you, check your IEHP doctor directory or click the Provider Search link.
Helpful tips to help your treatment:
- Be sure to call the pharmacy five days before you run out of medicine.
- Take your medicine the way your doctor tells you to.
