Which model requires a PCP referral to see specialists?

• A. Network Restrictions
• B. Utilization Management (UM)
• C. Primary Care Gatekeeper
• D. Indemnity Plan (Fee-for-Service)

Answer: (C)

Access to specialists is controlled by the primary care gatekeeper model. In this setup, your primary care physician acts as the coordinator of your care and must authorize or refer you to a specialist before the specialist visit is covered. This referral process ensures the PCP reviews medical necessity, coordinates the care plan, and helps manage overall costs and utilization.

This differs from indemnity plans, where you can usually see any specialist without a referral, though you may pay more out of pocket. Utilization Management focuses on evaluating the necessity and appropriateness of services, but it isn’t defined by requiring a PCP referral for specialist access. Network restrictions relate to using in-network providers, which can exist with or without a gatekeeper, but the explicit referral requirement is the hallmark of the gatekeeper model.