After joining an HMO, a subscriber will typically select a(n)

• A. primary care physician
• B. capitation level
• C. closed panel
• D. deductible level

Answer: (A)

In an HMO, care is organized through a primary care physician who acts as the gatekeeper for referrals and specialty services. When you join, you typically pick a PCP who will be your main contact for routine care and who coordinates any referrals to specialists within the network. This gatekeeper role is what makes selecting a primary care physician the correct choice: the PCP manages and authorizes the care you receive, helping keep costs and care coordinated.

The other concepts—how physicians are paid (capitation), the network being closed to outside providers (closed panel), and having a deductible—are plan design or payment features rather than the step a member takes to begin care.