We continue to expand our networks
to provide you with affordable health
care choices. Beginning February 1, 2007, we will begin to
offer mini-clinics as participating
providers in all our networks.
Mini-clinics, or retail clinics, are
ambulatory centers that treat common,
low-intensity illnesses. They are
situated in kiosks located in retail
businesses, like pharmacies and
grocery stores. Usually, they are open
for 12 hours on weekdays and six to
eight hours on Saturdays and Sundays.
Care is provided by a master’s level
nurse practitioner (ARNP). A supervising
community physician provides
medical oversight. ARNPs operate
under a set of clinical protocols that
defi ne the conditions they can treat.
Only a limited number of diagnoses
are treated (e.g., strep throat, ear
infections, bronchitis, gastroenteritis,
etc.). The nurse practitioners redirect
any patients who don’t meet their
treatment profile to a physician or
another medical facility.
As of February 1, to find a mini-clinic in your area,
look under Convenient Care Centers
on our provider directory at www.bcbsfl.com, Find a Doctor or Hospital.
Good news! You spoke, and we
listened—we’ve made accessing
specialists easier than ever for you.
As of Oct. 1, you no longer need a
referral from your primary care
physician (PCP) to see specialists
who participate in the Health Options
network. If a specialist who is a noncontracting
provider is required,
your primary care physician will
request a referral authorization
from Health Options.
Please note, this does not change the
participating Health Options provider’s
responsibility to obtain authorization
for certain medical services.
