Choosing a Primary Health Care Provider:

Deciding On a 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

 

 

How do I decide on one primary health care provider?

Once you have made of list of qualified providers, you might want to try calling their offices and asking a few questions. The way that the staff answers your questions can say a lot about the provider. You first need to find out if the provider is covered by your health plan and if she/he is taking new patients. If you don't know if the provider is board certified or what their training is, ask!

 

Some other questions you might ask include:

• Which hospitals does the provider work in?
• What are the office hours (when is the provider available and when can I speak to office staff)?
• Does the provider or someone else in the office speak the language that I am most comfortable speaking?
• How many other providers can see me when my primary care provider is not there? Who are they?
• How long does it usually take to get an appointment with my provider?
• What are the provider's fees? Do I need to pay when I am at the provider's office or will I be sent a bill?
• What do I do if I need to cancel an appointment?
• What do I do if I have an emergency or if I need medical help after-hours?
• Does the provider give advice over the phone for common medical problems?
• Can I contact my provider by e-mail?

The answers to these questions should help you decide which provider you want to handle your care. Once you like what you hear, make an appointment with that provider for a general check-up.

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Next: Check-Ups

 

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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