How to Choose a Primary Care Physician

Setting up regular physical exams is an important step in managing your health. But for many people, making a decision about which doctor to see can be a bit intimidating. There are so many different options to look through, plus the hassle of figuring out who takes your insurance. Fortunately, this guide will walk you through each step of the process. We promise it’s a lot easier than you might think, especially with some helpful advice along the way.

Whether it’s been a few years since you last saw a physician or you’re not happy with your current doctor, it’s time to find a new primary care physician. But what exactly is a primary care physician, and how can you find one that’s a good fit for you? In this guide, we’ll cover all that and more to make sure you’re able to connect with a doctor who can provide the best level of care for your unique health needs.

What Is a Primary Care Physician?

Primary care physicians, often known as primary care providers or simply PCPs, are health care professionals who help patients manage general medical issues. That includes routine checkups as well as non-emergency medical care.

Most primary care providers are doctors, but some PCPs are physician assistants or nurse practitioners. For health issues that require additional expertise outside the scope of general medical care, your PCP can refer you to a specialist.

There are a few common types of primary care physicians:

• Pediatricians, who care for babies, kids, and teenagers
• Internal medicine doctors, who care for adults and older teens
• Family doctors, who care for all ages
• Obstetrician-gynecologists (OB-GYNs), who specialize in women’s health issues

Think about which type of PCP is the best fit for your needs before you begin your search.

Step 1: Start Your Search Online 

Today, most people find their primary care physician online. The internet is a great tool for finding doctors near you who can tend to your healthcare needs.

There are two main ways to search for primary care providers online:

1. Use your insurance provider’s online portal: This will make it easier to find a doctor who is “in-network,” meaning that they accept your insurance and will have minimal out-of-pocket expenses. If you’re not sure how to find out who’s in your network, contact your insurance provider directly. 
2. Search the web: You can also simply search “primary care doctors near me” on Google to see a wide range of options. Another option is the American Medical Association’s DoctorFinder tool or a site like Zocdoc. If you have Medicare, check out the Medicare Care Compare tool.

Step 2: Narrow Down the Options

With either of the search methods described in step 1, you’re sure to come across dozens of PCPs from which to choose. To get a more concise list of options, narrow it down to only the physicians who meet all three of these criteria:

1. Location: Your primary care physician should be located nearby and easy to get to via your primary mode of transportation. If you live in a large city, you may want to limit your search to just a few miles. If you live somewhere suburban or rural, you may feel comfortable going anywhere from 5 to 40 miles depending on how many doctors are in your area. Consider whether you prefer a doctor who is closer to your home or your work.
2. Services: For many people, it’s important to have a primary care doctor who is familiar with their particular health issues. For example, someone with heart problems may want to choose a PCP with on-site EKGs. Consider what services are important to you and what capabilities you’d like your primary care provider to have.
3. Availability: Keep in mind that some doctors are already fully booked. Find out whether a doctor is accepting new patients or not before placing them on your shortlist of options.

Step 3: Compare Reviews

Patient reviews can tell you more about what to expect from each doctor you’re considering. Look up reviews online across a variety of sites, like Yelp, Google My Business, RateMDs, and Doctor.com. You can also check whether they have any testimonials listed on their website. 

You may also want to ask around with trusted friends or family who live in your area. Ask which doctors they’ve liked and ask for more information about their experiences.

How to Find a Doctor Who Accepts Your Insurance

You’ve found a potential primary care provider that you’re interested in based on their location, their services, and their reviews. But now comes the dreaded follow-up question: Does this doctor accept my insurance?

If you took the advice from step one to look within your healthcare network, you’re already off to a great start. Or perhaps you see on their website that your insurance is listed among their accepted health care plans. In both cases, you should be ready to move forward with making an appointment.

Keep in mind, however, that when doctors or medical practices leave a health plan, the information online doesn’t always reflect that right away. So when you do call to make an appointment, be sure to double-check that your insurance is accepted.

What if you’re not sure what health insurance plans a doctor accepts? Again, the best way to find out is to just give their office a call. Have your insurance card ready to provide any necessary information to the administrative staff so you can get the information you need to decide if this doctor is a good fit for you.

If you’re looking for a convenient, friendly, and knowledgeable primary care physician in the Huntington Beach area, be sure to consider Bella Terra Primary Care. Contact us at 714-248-9068 to learn more.