Choosing a Primary Health Care Provider:

How to Find a Health Care Provider

 

Who are Providers?	Check-Ups
How to Find a Provider	Confidentiality
Health Plans	Reproductive Health
Providers' Qualifications	Don't Like Your Provider?
Deciding on a Provider	When to Visit

 

What should I look for in a primary health care provider?

Decide if you want your health care provider to be a woman or a man. You should feel comfortable with your health care provider, since it is important to share personal information and any health problems with her/him. You need to find a health care provider who will listen to your concerns and answer your questions. Your health care provider should take the time to explain things clearly to you. You should try to find a health care provider who is not too far from your home.

 

What if I've turned 13 and I want a new provider that sees teenagers?

You should ask your pediatrician if there is someone in her/his office that sees teenagers or if there are special hours for teens to be seen in the office. If not, ask your pediatrician for names of other providers who see teens. Discuss with your pediatrician how to let your parents know about your health care needs.

 

How do I find the names of health care providers?

You should first make a list of names of health care providers. You can do this by asking your parents, friends, and relatives for the names of health care providers that they go to and like. Make sure that the person has gone to that health care provider more than once.

 

There are other ways to find a provider. You can check the "Physician Select" service of the Web Site of the American Medical Association, at ama-assn.org. You can call a doctor referral service at a hospital or a local medical society.

 

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Next: Health Plans

 

Written by the Center for Young Women's Health Staff

 

Updated 6/11/2001

 

Related Information:

• Going to College and Staying Healthy
• Transitions: A Guide to Getting Older
• Related Links

 

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