HealthSelect medical plan participants no longer need a referral to see a dermatologist

1-minute read

Participants enrolled in the HealthSelect of Texas^® medical plan no longer need to get a referral from their primary care provider (PCP) before they get services from an in-network dermatologist. Participants must meet eligibility and other plan requirements.

A referral is a written order from your PCP for you to see a specialist. For most services, you need to get a referral before you receive medical care from anyone except your PCP, or you will get out-of-network benefits. With this change, HealthSelect of Texas participants can schedule and get services from an in-network dermatologist without first obtaining a referral from their PCP. (Participants in Consumer Directed HealthSelect^SM and HealthSelect^SM Out-of-State can see any specialist without getting a PCP's referral.)

Even if a referral isn't required, seeing in-network dermatologists (and other specialists) will save you money.

The importance of regular skin cancer screenings

Along with regular self-exams, skin cancer screenings from a dermatologist should be part of your overall health care routine. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, about one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, but when it's caught early, skin cancer can usually be treated successfully.

It's important to be familiar with your skin so that you notice any changes. Ask your dermatologist how and when to check your skin between annual visits. If you notice a spot that is different from others, or a spot that changes, itches or bleeds, see your dermatologist right away.

More information

You can contact a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) Personal Health Assistant over the phone, via live chat or secure messaging. Call a BCBSTX Personal Health Assistant toll-free at (800) 252-8039 (TTY: 711), Monday - Friday. 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Saturday, 7 a.m. - 3 p.m., or via live chat Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. CT.

Secure messaging is available 24 hours a day, and you will receive an email response in one to two days. Secure chat and secure messaging are available once you are logged in to Blue Access for Members^SM.