Choosing Your Primary Care Provider
February 27, 2023, 4:18 pm
Choosing a primary care provider (PCP) is an important step in managing your health, and it might be easier than you think.
People who have a PCP they see each year are much more likely to receive the care they need to stay healthy. PCPs offer valuable healthcare services, such as:
- Annual visit, or checkup
- Preventive care and health screening tests
- Chronic condition management
- Help with identifying mental health issues
Even if you are generally in good health, it is a good idea to be established with a PCP to monitor your wellness, keep you up to date on vaccines and other recommended services, and to be there for you if a health problem should arise. For people with chronic conditions, like high blood pressure or diabetes, it can be especially important to have a PCP to oversee your health and any treatments or medications you may need.
You can choose a PCP from your plan’s provider directory, or call 417-269-INFO for help finding a doctor at CoxHealth.
At your first visit, you will establish care with the new PCP, and you will be able to see if they are a good fit for you. You can bring a list of questions or concerns to help you remember what you would like to discuss with them.
After you have met your potential PCP, determine if you feel comfortable with them, if they listened to your concerns, whether they answered your questions and if they explained things in a way you could understand. These are important considerations when deciding if you would like to continue seeing them in the future as your PCP. You have the right to choose a different doctor if you do not feel they are a good fit.
Once you are established with the PCP of your choice, you can have peace of mind knowing that you have completed in an important step in managing your health.
Sources:
Choosing a Doctor: Quick Tips - MyHealthfinder | health.gov
Why do you need a primary care physician? - Harvard Health
Newsroom - 5 tips for choosing a primary care doctor (uhc.com)