A primary care provider (PCP) is your main source for general medical care. When you need a specialist, such as a surgeon, urologist, or psychiatrist, your PCP may refer you to one. Many specialists will not accept patients unless they are referred by a PCP. Insurance companies may not pay for a specialist's care without a referral from a PCP.
Choosing the right PCP for you is an important decision that can affect you and your family for quite a while. This person will:
Many healthcare providers complete a residency (typically 3 or more years of training after medical school) in a specialty such as family practice. The main types of primary care providers are:
Physicians may have either an MD or a DO degree. The main difference is that doctors of osteopathy (DO) are trained in hands-on manipulation to treat joints, muscles, and bones. Both DOs and MDs take the same licensing exams to become licensed to practice medicine.
If you belong to a health plan, your choice of healthcare providers may be limited to providers that are included in the plan. Check the plan's list of primary care providers.
Ask for referrals from friends, coworkers, or pharmacists. If you are moving, ask your current provider to recommend someone in your new location. Local medical societies usually have a referral service and will give you names based on your location or the type of provider you need. Some hospitals may give you names of providers to consider.
Check on the provider's credentials. Board-certified primary care physicians have received at least 2 additional years of residency training beyond an internship in a medical specialty. They have also passed a national board exam. Physician assistants and nurse practitioners may also be certified by passing a national exam and completing certain education requirements. Check on certification by calling the local medical society or state board of nursing. The state's medical licensing board can tell you if a provider's license is current or if it has expired.
Look for a provider in a convenient location. Your PCP should be fairly close to home or work. Contact the provider's office and ask if they are accepting new patients. Ask about office hours and appointments, payment policy, and insurance coverage. Schedule an interview to meet and get to know the provider. This will give a clear idea of the provider's approach. While at the office, notice how the office looks and how patients are greeted. Expect courtesy, respect, dignity, and responsiveness. Be prepared to discuss your special needs and to pay for this office visit.
Ask questions such as:
After your visit, ask yourself:
Do not be tempted to make a quick decision. Make the choice when you are healthy, not sick.