Physician services include assessment, diagnosis, treatment, consultation and surgical services provided in inpatient and outpatient settings by licensed physicians and other licensed practitioners.  The providers in this service category include all physician specialties such as general practitioners, surgeons, pediatricians, oncologists, anesthesiologists and radiologists.  It also includes practitioners such as nurse practitioners, and certified nurse anesthetists who practice under the supervision of a licensed physician or independently within the scope of their professional licensure and certification.

Generally, all people eligible for Medicaid may receive physician services, but there may be restrictions for certain types of physician services depending on the person’s type of Medicaid eligibility.

Over 80 percent of people eligible for Medicaid have a primary care physician who helps them access other types of specialty physicians and practitioners when needed. Primary care physicians provide care and case management so that a Medicaid recipient has the benefit of a coordinated approach to management of their health care needs.