Community First wants to make sure our Members receive the highest quality care possible, including access to specialists when needed.

Specialists are doctors like surgeons, heart doctors, allergy doctors, skin doctors, and other doctors who specialize in one area of health care. Community First Health Plans offers our Members access to a large network of specialists, some without a referral from their primary care provider.

Direct Access to Specialists

Because seeing a specialist quickly is important, we offer direct access to some specialists, meaning you can make an appointment or seek care without a referral for the following:

• Emergency services
• Behavioral health services
• OB/GYN care
• Routine vision services
• Routine dental services (for children)
• Family planning services

Referrals

If you or your child need to see a different type of specialist, your primary care provider (PCP) will take care of the paperwork, called a referral. Your PCP is the only one who can give you a referral. Your PCP’s office can also help you make an appointment with the specialist.  If you need additional help or have any difficulty scheduling a specialist appointment, please call Member Services at 1-800-434-2347 or at the number listed on your Member ID card. If you have a Service Coordinator, you can also ask them to help you make an appointment.

Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)

If you need a ride to see a specialist, you may be eligible for no-cost, curb-to-curb transportation. To learn more, visit our Non-Emergency Medical Transportation website.

We want you to stay healthy! We provide several options to receive specialized care when you need it.