Primary Care Physicians: How to Choose a PCP

Having a primary care physician you trust and rely on is essential. Even if you don’t spend much time visiting the doctor, it can give you peace of mind to know you have a great doctor by your side when needed. You never know when you might become sick or develop a health issue that requires a doctor’s guidance or medication.

Before selecting a PCP (primary care physician), you need to know how to choose a PCP. There are a few different ways of choosing a new doctor. In the guide below, you’ll find a few factors to look for when making your selection. 

Here’s what you need to know!

Look to Your Insurance Network

The best starting point is your insurance network. You can contact your medical insurance directly and ask them to give you a list of PCPs near you that are covered in the network. Finding a primary care physician in your network is beneficial because it saves you from having to pay for appointments and services out of pocket. 

You can also consider contacting specific doctors and asking if they accept your insurance. 

Ask for Referrals and References

Now you can ask for referrals and references. You can ask friends and family for referrals to the doctors who they see and like. If you have another type of doctor you already see, then you can even ask them to refer you to another great doctor. 

Then, contact these doctors and ask them to send you any references they have. Call each reference and ask any questions you may have about the doctor and what to expect. 

Read Online Patient Reviews

Online patient reviews can also give you some insight into what to expect from each specific doctor. Make sure to look up reviews for each doctor you’re interested in seeing. You may be able to find reviews on the doctors’ individual websites.

You can also search for each individual doctor on an online review website as well. 

Check Their Qualifications 

Don’t forget to check a doctor’s qualifications. What are their board certifications? What’s their educational background? 

Ask the doctor to show you proof of all qualifications and then check the dates to ensure everything is up to date. 

Know What Experience They Have

The type of experience the doctor has is also important. Not only do you want to find a doctor who has several years of experience in the medical field, but you also want to find someone who has experience working with other patients with similar medical conditions as yours.

If you have a certain medical condition that you want to see your doctor about, then it’s good to find someone who has experience with this specific condition. 

Know How to Choose a PCP Before Making a Decision

When you know how to choose a primary care physician, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re in good hands. When it comes to your health, you deserve nothing but the best. Use all of the helpful information above to learn how to choose a PCP.

For more helpful and informative topics, don’t forget to check back here frequently!