Primary care's role with your HMO
How CHRISTUS primary care helps you get more from your HMO
Many people hear the term HMO and think of referrals, restrictions and smaller provider networks.
While HMO plans often use a more focused network of doctors and healthcare facilities, those perceptions do not tell the whole story.
The value of an HMO depends largely on the healthcare system behind it.
CHRISTUS Health Plan is built around primary care and the broad network of care offered by CHRISTUS Health.
Instead of navigating healthcare on your own, you have a trusted primary care clinician who can help guide preventive care, ongoing health needs and access to additional services across the CHRISTUS Health system.
The great thing about CHRISTUS Health Plan is that when you need a specialist, you do not need your primary care clinician to provide a referral.
Backed by more than a doctor's office
Your primary care provider is connected to a broader network of specialists, clinics, hospitals and advanced care services across CHRISTUS Health. Learn how connected care can help support you throughout your healthcare journey.
What Is an HMO?
A Health Maintenance Organization, or HMO, is a type of health insurance plan designed to help coordinate care through a primary care clinician.
Rather than seeing separate healthcare providers without a central point of coordination, your primary care clinician serves as a consistent partner who understands your medical history, health goals and ongoing care needs.
For many people, that relationship creates a simpler healthcare experience and provides a trusted place to start when questions or concerns arise.
Why primary care matters
Healthcare can become complicated over time.
A person may need preventive screenings, treatment for an illness, follow-up care, prescription medications and visits with multiple specialists. Without someone helping connect those pieces, healthcare can feel fragmented and difficult to navigate.
Your CHRISTUS Primary Care clinician helps bring those pieces together by:
- Providing routine and preventive care
- Monitoring ongoing health conditions
- Helping identify health concerns early
- Tracking changes in your health over time
- Coordinating care when additional services are needed
Rather than starting over with a new provider every time a health concern arises, you have a clinician who understands your health history and can help guide next steps.
Why CHRISTUS primary care is different
Primary care is important in any healthcare system. What makes CHRISTUS primary care unique is its connection to the larger CHRISTUS Health network.
CHRISTUS Health includes primary care clinics, specialists, hospitals, urgent care locations, virtual care services and advanced specialty programs throughout Texas and Louisiana.
When additional care is needed, your primary care clinician can help connect you with the right resources within the CHRISTUS Health network.
That means your care is supported by a healthcare system designed to work together rather than a collection of unrelated providers.
A more connected approach to care
One of the goals of an HMO is to help make healthcare more connected. As a CHRISTUS Health Plan member, your primary care clinician can help you access:
- Preventive Care: Routine checkups, screenings and wellness visits can help identify health concerns early and support long-term health.
- Virtual Care: Many healthcare needs can be addressed without traveling to a clinic, making it easier to receive care when and where you need it.
- Specialty Care: When you need more specialized treatment, your primary care clinician can help guide you to the appropriate specialist within the CHRISTUS Health network.
- Hospital and Advanced Care Services: If your healthcare needs become more complex, CHRISTUS Health Plan members have access to a broader network of hospitals, specialists and clinical programs throughout the CHRISTUS Health system.
Getting more value from your CHRISTUS Health Plan
Health insurance is about more than covering medical expenses. It is also about helping you access the right care at the right time.
By building a relationship with a CHRISTUS Primary Care clinician, you gain a healthcare partner who can help guide your care, coordinate services and connect you with the broader CHRISTUS Health network when additional support is needed.
For many members, that relationship becomes one of the most valuable parts of their health plan experience.
Find a CHRISTUS primary care clinician
Whether you need a wellness visit, help managing an ongoing condition or guidance navigating your healthcare options, a CHRISTUS Primary Care clinician can help.
Find a CHRISTUS Primary Care clinician and discover how a connected approach to care can help you get more from your CHRISTUS Health Plan.
Connected care across the CHRISTUS Health network
Connected care across the CHRISTUS Health network
Discover how local doctors and specialists are supported by a broader network of hospitals, advanced services and specialty programs across Texas and Louisiana.
Does seeing a specialist without a referral matter?
Does seeing a specialist without a referral matter?
Learn how direct access to specialists may help reduce administrative barriers to care. Discover why CHRISTUS Health Plan members can see participating specialists without a referral.
The role of preventive care in your CHRISTUS Health Plan
The role of preventive care in your CHRISTUS Health Plan
Learn how preventive care helps you stay healthy, catch concerns early and support your long-term well-being. Discover why regular checkups, screenings and vaccines matter.
Virtual Care: Care When and Where You Need It
Virtual Care: Care When and Where You Need It
Learn how virtual care can help you connect with a provider from home, work or wherever you are. Discover how CHRISTUS Health Plan members can access convenient care for many common health concerns through their plan benefits.