Finding the right primary care provider (PCP) is important. It is most helpful to find your PCP first, before any needed specialists.    Think about what you need and what is important to you.

What is a PCP?

PCPs care for your wellness and common illnesses. They answer questions about infections, long-term health problems and medicines. 

They can be:

• Doctors (Family Practice or Internal Medicine).
• Nurse practitioners.
• Physician assistants. 

A PCP should be your medical home. This means that they:

• Will be able to follow keep track of your health over time.
• Look for changes in your health.
• Make sure you are getting the health care you need.

Most often your PCP is the first person you should call or MyChart when you have a question about your health.

A PCP will:

• Teach you ways to make good choices to stay healthy and prevent disease.
• Recommend tests to find any problems early, like a colonoscopy for colon cancer.
• Help you with long-term health problems like diabetes, high cholesterol, or depression.
• Find a medical specialist if you need one. This may be a back surgeon or a skin doctor.

Why is it important to have a PCP?

• You may spend less time in the hospital.
• You may spend less money on health care.
• You can often see your PCP sooner. You won’t have to suffer with your aches and pains as long.
• Insurance companies may not pay for a visit with a medical specialist, unless you have a referral from your PCP.
  
   

What things should you consider?    

Insurance

• You may need to get a list of PCPs that are covered by your insurance.
• You can often find this on your insurance company’s website or call the number on the back of your insurance card.
• You may also ask the PCP if they accept your insurance.

Questions to ask

• Who covers for the PCP when they are on vacation or after hours?
• Can you get help with referrals if a second opinion is needed?
• Who answers the phone calls.  How soon calls are returned?
• Can advice or medicines be given over the phone?
• Does the office support setting up payment plans?
• Where are tests or lab work done?
• Which hospital does the PCP work with?
• Can you make a visit just to ask questions or talk about a plan of care?
• Will the PCP talk with me by email, text or MyChart?
• Do they work as a team with your other providers? This may include other doctors, social workers, case workers, home care nurses, personal care assistants, therapists, or others.

Choose the right primary care provider for you and schedule your first visit.