How to Choose a Primary Care Provider: 8 Questions to Ask
August 8, 2024
By: Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare
Categories: Primary Care, Healthy Living
Your primary care provider is a critical part of your healthcare journey. That’s why it is important to find a healthcare provider you trust, especially since they’ll be the first person you contact when you have concerns about your health or need to schedule appointments or screenings. If you are currently looking for a new primary care physician and don’t know where to start, don’t worry! Here are eight questions that can help you select a provider that meets your needs.
1. Which type of doctor should you see?
One of the first things you should consider is which type of primary care provider is the most appropriate for you. Below are several different types of medical professionals who can be designated as a primary care provider.
- Family Medicine
- General Practice
- Internist
- Pediatrician
- Obstetrician-Gynecologist (OB/GYN)
- Nurse Practitioner
- Physician Assistant
- Geriatrician
For example, if you are pregnant, you may opt for an OB/GYN as your primary care physician, while a pediatrician is probably the most suitable choice if you are looking for a healthcare provider on behalf of your children. Older patients may prefer a doctor who practices geriatric medicine, while others could choose a nurse practitioner or physician assistant as their primary care provider. An internist may be an ideal choice if you are seeking a doctor who will focus on disease prevention, long-term care or managing complex healthcare conditions. Family medicine physicians are qualified to treat most minor illnesses and injuries, and they provide care to people of all ages.
You will need to contact the provider’s office to determine if they are accepting new patients.
2. Are they covered by your health insurance plan?
Once you’ve decided which type of primary care provider is the best fit, you should check which ones are considered “in-network” with your health insurance plan. To do this, we recommend you:
- Call your insurance company and ask for a list of “in-network” doctors who are practicing medicine in your local area,
- Go to your insurance provider’s website and search their online directory of physicians or
- Call the doctor’s office directly to find out if they will accept your type of health insurance.
Some insurances offer a reduced cost for sick and wellness visits to a primary care practice. Your insurance company may also require you to inform them of your primary care provider before you can see them. Ensuring your new primary care provider takes your insurance is a key step in the process.
3. Do they have experience treating your specific medical conditions?
If you (or someone you provide care for) suffer from chronic medical issues, you should ask any prospective primary care provider if they have experience treating patients with similar health conditions. Common chronic medical issues include:
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Arthritis
- Heart disease and stroke
- Cancer
- Asthma
- Osteoporosis
- Obesity
- Autoimmune diseases
You can also ask if they would be able to refer you to specialists within your network and what that process would entail.
4. What is their educational background?
Next, try to find out more information about their educational background. You can typically find out more information about their qualifications and educational background by either contacting the doctor’s office or, if they are affiliated with TMH, reviewing their individual profile page on our website.
Things to look for:
- Are they board certified, or do they specialize in an area of medicine that helps make them stand out from other healthcare providers?
- Did they complete a fellowship program after their residency training?
- Do they participate in clinical trial research?
- Do they serve on the board of a professional organization or teach medical classes at an accredited university?
These kinds of questions are important because you can gain valuable insight about a prospective primary care provider by learning about their interests, professional experience and educational background.
5. What kind of access will you have?
When choosing a provider, ask how their medical office communicates with patients so you’ll know what to expect. For example, does your primary care provider only see patients on certain days of the week or within a specific time frame? Do they have weekly office hours when you can contact them to ask questions or is email their preferred method of communicating?
Can you view your medical records and test results online? How far in advance do you have to make appointments? You can also ask if they provide telemedicine appointments, mobile check-ins and other types of technologically advanced healthcare services. TMH Physician Partners provides text appointment reminders and offers an easy-to-use online Patient Portal.
6. What would happen if you had a medical emergency after hours?
You can also find out how your primary care provider would handle a medical emergency if he or she were off the clock or otherwise unavailable. Are there other medical professionals who would be able to provide after-hours care? Is there a nearby urgent care facility you can visit during a medical emergency? Knowing this type of information ahead of time can make it easier for you and your family to handle a crisis.
7. Does their practice offer health and wellness classes or events?
Hospitals, medical offices and healthcare clinics serve the greater local community by offering health-related classes or events. Some organizations offer breastfeeding classes for new mothers, emotional support groups and many other types of events that may help improve your overall quality of life.
8. Do you feel comfortable seeking medical treatment from them?
Lastly, the most important question you should ask when searching for a new primary care physician is whether you would feel comfortable seeking medical care from this person when you are not feeling well. A good primary care provider will do their best to make you feel at ease during your appointment, listen to your opinions and concerns, take time to answer your questions and explain everything in a way that is easy to understand.
Ready to get started with your search for a new primary care provider? TMH Physician Partners has primary care offices across seven counties, including Leon, Jefferson, Wakulla, Franklin, Gadsden, Calhoun, Taylor and Bay. TMH also offers primary care services through our Family Residency Medicine Program and Internal Medicine Residency Program.
