How to chose Primary Care Provider?

Maura63

17 years ago

Until now, I've been getting my physicals from my OB-GYN.

Now I am interested in getting a more complete physical and wondered how to go about choosing a PCP.

Insurance aside, what kind of docs are typically PCPs? Would that be an internist?

Thank you

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Comments (7)

mcmann
17 years ago
We just went through that with out kids when they came off our health insurance and signed up for HMO. We did choose an internist for both of them. But a general practitioner or family practitioner can also be a PCP.
chisue
17 years ago
This may be a challenge. Fewer MDs are going into family practice -- the education to be a doc is so expensive and the big money is in specialties.

When we needed a new doctor ten years ago it was hard to find someone good. We finally went with the recommendation of a PT I knew. The doctor she recommended wasn't taking new patients, but they had a new associate. Best thing about the practice is the office management. Our doc is fine, but it's the prompt and accurate service of the office that keeps us there. We'd had a doctor whose staff couldn't get a message straight, so we appreciate the way this office runs.

You might check with the hospital you'd use to see if they have a referral service.
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mcmann
17 years ago
Could you ask your OB/GYN for a recommendation?
linda_in_iowa
17 years ago
When I moved here 4 years ago, I went to the website of the big clinic here. I knew that I wanted an internist and preferred a young woman. The website had a picture of each physician and told about their special interests such as women's health. I was very lucky to get an appointment and now my doctor is not taking new patients.
bee0hio
17 years ago
I think it's really difficult anymore and I am a nurse (well, retired now). I've known some dr's who had lots of personality & pt's loved them, but from my observations would guess they might have graduated at the bottom of their class. And likewise I've seen dr's who were absent the day personality & communications skills were passed out, but their clinical expertise was superb.

I suppose a recommendation from a friend, another dr, nurse, or medical professional is ~~probably~~ the best way to find a new dr. (but just be sure s/he is on your insurance plan). I think it's important to look to see if the Dr is "Board Certified"... it indicates a higher level of expertise, whether Family Practice or Internal Medicine (& either is fine, imo). I also prefer that my PCP be in a group practice rather than solo practice. When an emergency arises, I want someone who can access my records.

Interestingly, my former PCP (internal med dr) did not, as a rule do the Pap smears & vag exam. You had to go to a Nurse Practitioner who was with another associate in their organization. I personally thought this was ridiculous ... I want a "one stop shop". LOL. My dr left that practice & moved elsewhere & I haven't yet been to the dr who took his place, so I don't know if that is still the case.
redcurls
17 years ago
It amazes me how many doctors and dentists are not accepting any new patients. I know my own doctor has not been taking anyone new for a couple of years and last year when our dental plan changed, I had to choose a dentist that was not my first, second, or third choice..!! So I'd research couple options if I were you.

I like the ideo of getting your current Ob/GYN to recommend someone.
sheesh
17 years ago
I love my PCP, hub "fired" him and chose a different doc. Hub likes our oncologist, I think he's a jerk. My mom loves her PCP, and though he's not my doc, I wish he wasn't Mom's doc, either. Way to friendly with her. These are all board certified docs. I guess you just have to shop around til you get one that suits your fancy.

How to chose Primary Care Provider?

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mcmann

chisue

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