From check-ups to the common cold, from an earache to a serious disease – your primary care provider (PCP) is your partner in health throughout your life. They will help you stay well, treat you when you get sick and refer you to specialists when the need arises.
Having a primary care provider can give you a trusting, ongoing relationship with one medical professional over time. Since your PCP is the gatekeeper of the health care system, it is important to select someone with whom you will work well. When choosing a PCP, consider the following:
- Is the office staff friendly and helpful? Is the office good about returning calls?
- How easy is it to reach the provider?
- Do you prefer a provider whose communication style is friendly and warm, or more formal?
- Do you prefer a provider focused on disease treatment, or wellness and prevention?
- Does the provider have a conservative or aggressive approach to treatment?
- Does the provider order a lot of tests?
- Does he or she refer to other specialists frequently or infrequently?
- What do colleagues and patients think about the provider?
- Does the provider invite you to be involved in your care? Does he or she view your patient-doctor relationship as a true partnership?
Ask friends, neighbors, relatives for referrals. You can also ask other health care professionals, such as your dentist, pharmacist, optometrist or your previous provider. Another option is to request a “meet and greet” appointment to interview a potential provider. There may be no cost to do this, or you may be charged a co-payment or other small fee.
You can also search our online database of primary care providers, or call the Evergreen Healthline’s free provider referral service at 425.899.3000.