what is a pcp office visit

What to expect at your primary care visit

Visiting your primary care provider is now virtual or in-person

Health care is changing, and there are new, convenient ways to manage your health. From virtual visits and health management apps to going to a traditional appointment, health care providers and resources are more accessible than ever.

To serve you better, OSF HealthCare now offers more ways for you to manage your health. As a patient, you now have more options for in-person and virtual urgent care options for minor injuries and illnesses, virtual primary care options and better access for the traditional face-to-face office visit.

Mark Meeker, DO , an internal medicine physician with OSF HealthCare, talks about how these changes can affect your health care journey.

“With an eye on safety and convenience, health care clinicians are providing different and convenient ways for you to manage your health and connect with your physician or advanced practice provider,” Dr. Meeker said. “We want to conveniently increase the touch points between patients and their care teams to enhance the quality of care they receive.”

Whether you choose a virtual or office visit, you’re able to discuss a variety of topics, including:

• Chronic illness management
• Coordinating care with other specialists
• Lab results
• Lifestyle changes
• Medication renewals or changes
• Mental health
• New physical issues or concerns
• Recommendations for health screenings

The trade-off to a virtual visit is the lack of in-person interaction. Being in the same room allows your primary care provider (PCP) to get a sense of your overall well-being and do a hands-on physical examination.

However, if you haven’t experienced any new symptoms or have any concerns, a virtual visit is a safe and convenient alternative to meet your overall health goals, Dr. Meeker said. But it doesn’t completely replace the need for an office visit.

Virtual visits

Meet with your PCP via a smartphone, tablet or computer.

The first step is to start or sign in to your OSF MyChart account. You will go through a registration process where you will need to enter your personal and insurance information. You may be required to take a picture of certain documents, ID and insurance card, and upload them to your account, so have this information available.

A nurse or assistant will then do a basic health assessment before your clinician joins the video call.

Your PCP will still be able to order lab tests, refill prescriptions and determine if you need to come to the office for a physical examination.

“Virtual visits allow an open line of communication while avoiding unnecessary risks,” Dr. Meeker said, acknowledging that they’re also a great solution when a trip to the office is not convenient.

Office visits

The traditional health care route will never be replaced. Seeing your provider in-person is essential for good health.

“With a face-to-face office visit, I can examine your heart, ears, head and neck, lungs, stomach and throat to see if you have any pain or trouble in those areas,” Dr. Meeker said. “In-person visits also allow us to take an accurate body mass index, heart rate and blood pressure readings. Often, with something like high blood pressure, there are no signs or symptoms.

“Acute and chronic illnesses can also lead to physical exam findings that influence our treatment plans, and those have to be looked for and monitored on an episodic basis.”

Don’t forget to bring a valid photo ID, insurance card, medical history and a list of your medications.

No matter which type of visit you choose, be an active participant . Prepare a list of questions and concerns to discuss with your provider. Your primary care provider is a long-term partner in your health management, so it’s crucial to work with a provider who is right for you and your family and the methods for receiving care.

To learn tips for talking to your primary care provider, click here .

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Primary Care Provider (PCP)

Find out what kind of doctor can be your PCP and why you need one

What PCPs Do

Managing chronic conditions, pcps can coordinate care, the types of providers that can be pcps, why having a pcp matters, a word from verywell.

A primary care provider (PCP) is considered your main medical provider . Your PCP is responsible for dealing with the majority of your routine healthcare issues, and for coordinating care with specialists you may need to see. Depending on the type of health insurance you have, your insurer may require you to have a PCP.

This article will explain what PCPs do, what type of doctor can serve as a PCP, why your health plan might assign you a PCP if you don't select one yourself, and why it's important to have a PCP even if your health plan doesn't require it.

As we'll discuss below, there are several types of medical providers who can serve as your PCP, depending on your needs. And even if you're not required to have a PCP, it's still in your best interest to have one—they can help you navigate complex health situations if they arise, and will already know you and understand your medical history if and when you need more extensive care.

In most cases, your PCP is a generalist and can address most of your healthcare needs. In the event that you have a problem that's more complex than they can manage, your PCP will refer you to an appropriate specialist. This may include a surgeon, a psychiatrist, or a cardiologist , for example.

You’ll go to your PCP for your yearly physical exam and preventive health care . They will help you determine any medical concerns you’re at risk of developing in the future. They will also give you advice on ways you might be able to prevent those problems or decrease your risk.

You’ll also go to your PCP for non-emergency problems that arise unexpectedly. For example, your PCP will fix you up when you have a miserable cold that settles in your chest and just won't go away after a week. Did you tweak your back while giving your dog a bath? Your PCP’s office should be your first stop.

But as described below, some women choose to use an OB/GYN as their PCP, in which case some non-emergency medical problems might be better treated at an urgent care clinic or a different doctor's office. You can check with your OB/GYN to see if they recommend that you see a different medical provider for the situation you're experiencing.

Your primary care provider is also good at managing most chronic medical problems. If you have high blood pressure , diabetes , acid reflux disease , or osteoporosis , your PCP will help you keep these under control.

In some cases, your PCP may work together with a specialist to manage chronic medical problems.

Take  rheumatoid arthritis  as an example. A  rheumatologist may be involved in the initial diagnosis and treatment of the disease. But they may turn routine care over to your PCP once the disease is well controlled by medications. Or if you've had a kidney transplant , your PCP will coordinate with your nephrologist to make sure that you're receiving the care you need to remain healthy.

Your PCP will then follow up on routine blood tests and prescription refills. They may send you back to the rheumatologist if you have a flare-up, your symptoms get worse, or you develop complications.

In these situations, your PCP is the key member of your healthcare team. Quite often, they are your primary contact who can help guide you along the way. They will also communicate with your health insurance company to make sure everyone is on the same page—particularly if you have an HMO plan.

And if you have an established long-term relationship with your PCP, they might notice health changes or medical issues that a doctor who sees you less frequently might miss.

Perhaps the most valuable role primary care providers fill is also the least understood by the general public. PCPs are experts at coordinating care.

If you’re healthy, this won’t mean much to you. But if you develop complicated medical problems, need multiple specialist physicians, or are in and out of the hospital, you’ll appreciate good care coordination.

In the role of care coordinator, your PCP is the team captain. They know what each of the specialists is doing and will make sure they’re not duplicating tests or procedures that have already been done by another specialist. Your insurance company will also do this as part of their utilization review . But having your PCP coordinating it will help to avoid denied insurance claims and needless medical services.

Do you have 20 active prescriptions from different specialists? Your PCP makes sure they’re all absolutely necessary and compatible with each other (your pharmacists can also help with this, if you use the same pharmacy for all your medications).

Recently hospitalized for heart problems and now ready to start cardiac rehab? Your PCP will help keep your arthritis and asthma under control so they don’t prevent you from participating in the cardiac rehab program you need.

In the United States, primary care providers can be a physician, physician assistant (PA), or nurse practitioner (NP). PAs and NPs usually practice under a physician and are known as mid-level providers or physician extenders .

Primary care physicians are usually family practitioners, internal medicine doctors, pediatricians, geriatricians, or obstetrician/gynecologists.

• Family Practitioner: A family practitioner (FP) is a doctor who has gone through medical school and completed a three-year residency in family medicine. This residency provides training in the care of adults, kids, the elderly, and pregnant women. However, most FPs choose not to offer pregnancy care as part of their practice.
• Internal Medicine Doctors: Internal medicine doctors (or internists) are physicians who have gone through medical school and completed a three-year residency in internal medicine. This provides training in the care of adult and elderly adult patients but doesn’t usually include children. Internists receive extensive training in the body’s internal organ systems, hence, the name internist.
• Pediatricians: Pediatricians are doctors who specialize in the care of children. They’ve completed medical school and a three-year residency in pediatrics. A pediatrician can be your child’s PCP, but you'll need a different PCP for yourself.
• Geriatrician: A geriatrician is a doctor who specializes in caring for the elderly. After medical school, they will complete a three-year residency in either family practice or internal medicine. They then do a one- to three-year fellowship in geriatric medicine.
• Obstetrician/Gynecologists: Obstetrician/gynecologists ( OB/GYN or OBGs) are physicians who specialize in treating diseases of the female reproductive system. They’ve completed medical school and a residency in obstetrics and gynecology. While OB/GYNs technically specialists, many healthy women of child-bearing age see their gynecologist more often than any other doctor. They consider their gynecologist to be their PCP, and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) protects this choice.

As a result of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) , women are not required to receive a referral from another doctor to see an OB/GYN. And referrals from an OB/GYN must be treated as acceptable in terms of specialist referrals required by managed care plans. Essentially, the ACA allows a woman the option to select an OB/GYN as her PCP.

If your health insurance is an HMO or a POS plan , your insurer will likely require you to have a PCP. If you don’t choose a PCP from the plan’s list of in-network PCPs, the plan will assign you one.

If your health plan assigns you a PCP, you still have the option to pick a different PCP. You can always change your PCP, even if it's someone you picked yourself. You just need to select a new PCP who is in-network with your health plan and accepting new patients. And you'll be able to request that your medical records be transferred to the new doctor, so they'll know the details of your medical history.

In most HMOs and POS plans, your PCP acts as a gatekeeper to the other services included in the health plan. For example, in an HMO, you may not be able to see a cardiologist or get physical therapy unless your PCP refers you.

Traditionally, HMOs always required a PCP referral in order to see a specialist, but some modern HMOs allow patients to self-refer to specialists within the plan's network.

As a general rule, you'll always want to carefully read your own plan's details and rules—never assume that your coverage will work the same as your friend's or neighbor's coverage, even if you both have the same insurer or the same type of managed care program (ie, PPO, HMO, etc.)

Even if your health insurer doesn’t require you to have a PCP, it's a good idea to choose one. Having a primary care provider is an important part of keeping yourself healthy in the long run.

When you do get sick, your doctor already knows you and your medical history as well as how you look and behave when you’re healthy. They also understand you’re not a hypochondriac or just looking for narcotics, which can be very helpful.

A primary care provider can offer a range of general/routine medical care. They can also refer a patient to a specialist or other provider when necessary, and will coordinate care that a patient receives from multiple providers. Some health plans require members to have a PCP, and will assign one if the member doesn't pick one. These same health plans often require a referral from a PCP in order to see a specialist.

A primary care provider can be a doctor (family practitioner, pediatrician, OB/GYN, geriatrician, or internist), nurse practitioner, or physician's assistant.

Establishing a relationship with a PCP can go a long way toward keeping you healthy. They can provide a variety of routine medical needs, and will come to know you over time. This can be helpful if you develop a new medical condition, as your PCP will be familiar with your usual health status, and better able to identify what might have changed. And if you do end up needing more extensive care, your PCP will be able to help you coordinate care across multiple specialists.

Medline Plus. Choosing a primary care provider .

Department of Health and Human Services, Text of the Affordable Care Act . ‘‘SEC. 2719A [42 U.S.C. 300gg–19a]. PATIENT PROTECTIONS. (d) PATIENT ACCESS TO OBSTETRICAL AND GYNECOLOGICAL CARE.

By Elizabeth Davis, RN Elizabeth Davis, RN, is a health insurance expert and patient liaison. She's held board certifications in emergency nursing and infusion nursing.

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Empowering you for a visit with your PCP: What to know

January 24, 2024 | Wellness | Healthy You | Aging Well

PCPs are your health advocate. Partner with yours for better health and well-being.

One of the most important things you can do for your health is to establish a good relationship with your primary care provider (PCP).

A PCP is someone you trust. Having a good relationship with your PCP can make it easier to talk about your health concerns. 

Your PCP's goal is to provide care when you are sick and give you advice on staying healthy in the long run.

If you have a health concern or a chronic condition, a PCP can help coordinate your care. And if you need a specialist, your PCP can give you recommendations, refer you for care and guide you through next steps.

“PCPs are your health advocate,” says Sarah Winslow, MD, a provider with PeaceHealth Medical Group. “We care for the whole person and help our patients foster healthy habits to prevent disease and live their best lives.”

Plan your visit

Prepare in advance for a visit with your PCP to get the most of your time. Here are a few suggestions:

Prepare to answer possible questions from your PCP.

Take now of how you feel physically and mentally. Prepare to answer questions your PCP might ask, such as:

• How long have you had the symptoms? 
• What makes the symptoms better? Worse?
• Do the symptoms affect your daily activities? How?

Prepare questions to ask your PCP.

Your visit with your PCP is a two-way exchange or conversation. Think about questions you might ask your PCP, such as:

• Which wellness tests do I need (at my age)? 
• How does my family history affect my health? 
• Am I at risk of developing heart disease?  

Share lifestyle and habits that may affect health.

To give you the best care, your PCP needs to understand you and how you live. 

Be open and honest about your habits or daily choices. That might include what you eat, where you live, how you sleep, sexual practices, how much exercise you get, your work and your daily activities. 

Share any changes in your appetite, weight, sleep or energy levels. This can help your PCP understand your medical conditions and what you can do about them.

“It may be uncomfortable to talk about some topics, but the more you share, the better we can advise you,” says Dr. Winslow. “Your PCP isn’t here to judge you. We’re here to help, so please be honest. Lying to your PCP may be a disservice to your health.”

If you feel judgment from your PCP and the need to keep information hidden, you may want to find a PCP you feel safe opening up to.

Bring information about your medications.

Bring a list of your medications to your appointment. This should include over-the-counter medicines, herbal remedies and supplements (e.g., eye drops, vitamins and laxatives). 

For everything you take, note the dose strength (e.g., 500 milligrams) as well as how much you take and how often (e.g., 1 capsule twice a day). This gives your PCP the right information to help you avoid drug interactions or potential side effects.

Describe your health goals.

Do you want to lose weight, quit smoking or start an exercise routine? Talk about these goals. Your PCP can help you make a plan that will fit your current conditions, especially if you are recovering from an injury or surgery. It might also help you stick to your plan.

If you have one or more chronic condition (e.g., high blood pressure, arthritis, diabetes, asthma), ask your PCP about Flourish. This care management program can help you learn steps that keep you feeling your best.

“Your PCP can also connect you with the right specialist to treat your condition or make referrals to other providers to support your health goals,” adds Dr. Winslow.

Take notes and review the visit summary.

After your visit, you'll get a summary of your visit on paper and/or in your medical record. You might also jot notes to help you remember next steps or specific details.

If you're a PeaceHealth patient, you can view your record safely and securely online at My PeaceHealth. Once you've signed up, you can look at your PCP's notes and send follow up questions through My PeaceHealth.

Bring a family member or trusted friend.

If you’re not feeling well, bring a family member or trusted friend with you to the appointment. They can help you ask or answer questions during the visit.   Note: healthcare providers may limit the number of people you bring with you. Ask before your appointment if you have questions.

Having a PCP can help you see the whole picture of your physical and emotional health. It can make a big difference.

“Our priority is your health and wellness,” reminds Dr. Winslow. “Partnering with your PCP will pay dividends in the long run.”

Sarah S. L. Winslow MD

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A primary care provider, or PCP, is your main point of contact for health care in non-emergency situations. Think of this type of health care provider as the quarterback of your entire health care team, the central point person whose role it is to coordinate your overall patient care, treatment, and education.

Overall, your PCP is key to:

• Providing preventive care and guidance on how to achieve a healthy lifestyle.
• Diagnosing and treating acute common medical conditions, such as cold, flu, infections, etc.
• Treatment and management of chronic diseases, such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes.
• Determining the severity of your medical problems, so he or she can direct you to the most appropriate care provider.
• Referring you to medical specialists when conditions require more targeted treatment.

In addition, a PCP ensures prescribed medications will not adversely affect other medications or supplements you may already be taking. Over time, your PCP learns your health history and what is most important to you and your long-term wellness. This high-level oversight ensures all of the treatments, medications, therapies, and recommendations from various providers are as effective as possible.

Even if you are relatively healthy right now, things can and do change. This is especially true of millennials (the segment of the population born between the early ’80s and the early 2000s), who are in the perfect position to establish health and wellness baselines with a dedicated primary care provider.

PCPs are usually physicians; however, physician assistants and nurse practitioners (collectively referred to as advanced practice providers) who work under a qualified physician can also be your PCP. There are also different types of primary care physicians, some of which you may need at different points in your life, depending on your health care needs.

This chart identifies the different types of primary care physicians and can help you pinpoint which can help you most, depending on your health care needs.

Emory Healthcare

At Emory Healthcare, we’re here to help you find the care you need when you need it. With more than 3,400 doctors and 425 locations, including 11 hospitals, as well as primary care offices, urgent cares and MinuteClinics, we’re delivering specialized care across the region. Find a doctor near you to help you get and stay healthy.

Emory HealthConnection is where our representatives or registered nurses can help you find a location or specialist that’s right for you. Call 404-778-7777:  Monday – Friday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, Saturday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Know Where to Go

Knowing where to go when you’re ill makes a big difference. But it can get confusing. Know where to go to get the right care at the right time. Your primary care doctor knows your medical history best, but the Emory Healthcare Network also includes Peachtree Immediate Care Urgent Care and CVS MinuteClinics, hundreds of primary care locations and 6 ERs throughout metro Atlanta. Get the care you need wherever you need it. See our map to find the locations closest to you.

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What's a Primary Care Physician (PCP)?

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A primary care physician (PCP), or primary care provider, is a health care professional who practices general medicine. PCPs are our first stop for medical care. Most PCPs are doctors, but nurse practitioners and physician assistants can sometimes also be PCPs.

A PCP is the person your child should see for a routine checkup or non-emergency medical care. If your child has a mild fever , cough , or rash, or is short of breath or nauseated, a PCP usually can find the cause and decide what to do about it.

Usually, PCPs can treat conditions in their own offices. If they can't, they can refer you and your child to a trusted specialist. If your child needs ongoing treatment or is admitted to a hospital, the PCP may oversee the care, help you make decisions related to treatment, or refer you to other specialists if needed.

One of a PCP's most important jobs is to help keep kids from getting sick in the first place. This is called preventive care.

The best preventive care means:

• forming a relationship with a PCP you like and trust
• taking your child for scheduled checkups and vaccines
• following the PCP's advice for establishing a healthy lifestyle, managing weight, and getting the right amount of exercise

What Are the Types of PCPs?

Different types of PCPs treat kids and teens. Which is right for you depends on your family's needs:

• Family doctors , or family physicians, care for patients of all ages, from infants, kids and teens, to adults and the elderly.
• Pediatricians care for babies, kids, and teens.
• Internists , or internal medicine doctors, care for adults, but some see patients who are in their late teens.
• Adolescent medicine specialists are pediatricians or internists who have extra training in caring for teens.
• Combined internal medicine and pediatric specialists have training in both pediatrics and internal medicine.
• Obstetrician-gynecologists (OB-GYNs) specialize in women's health issues and are sometimes PCPs for girls who have started menstruating.
• Nurse practitioners or physician assistants sometimes are the main providers a child or teen sees at a doctor's office.

When to Go to the PCP

Call your PCP first about any health-related questions or concerns that aren’t an emergency. These can include:

• a high fever
• a headache that doesn't go away
• mild wheezing
• a lasting cough

When in doubt, call the PCP. Even if the PCP isn't available, someone else in the office can talk with you and decide whether your child should go to the ER. On weekends and at night, PCPs often have answering services that let them get in touch with you if you leave a message.

When to Go to an Emergency Room

Go to the ER if your child:

• has trouble breathing or is short of breath
• has a change in mental status, such as suddenly becoming unusually sleepy or hard to wake, lethargic, disoriented, or confused
• has a cut in the skin that won’t stop bleeding
• has a stiff neck along with a fever
• has a rapid heartbeat that doesn't slow down
• ingests a poisonous substance or too much medicine
• has had more than minor head trauma

How Can I Find a PCP?

To find a PCP , start by asking yourself what matters to you. For example, you'll want the PCP's office to take your health insurance and, ideally, be close to home. Also consider include how helpful and friendly the staff is, how easy it is to get in touch with the PCP, and whether the office hours work with your schedule.

Ask for recommendations from friends, neighbors, relatives, and doctors or nurses you already know and trust.

When you have a list of candidates, learn what you can about the PCP. For instance, does the PCP:

• come across as open and friendly or more formal?
• prefer to treat conditions aggressively or take a "wait and see" approach?
• try to handle things in the office or refer most patients to specialists?

Find out about any extra services. Some offices also have specialists, mental health providers, dietitians, lactation consultants, and social workers on-site. It’s convenient to have all these services under one roof.

Your health insurance plan may have a directory of preferred PCPs, and many practices will let you meet with a provider to see if they’re a good fit. And while it's easier to stay with one care provider, if you feel your child isn't getting the right level of care, you can choose another PCP.

How to Choose a New Primary Care Doctor

Finding a primary care physician is the first step you can take towards your good health. Here are some tips to look for in order to choose the best care provider doctor for you.

This article is based on reporting that features expert sources.

How to Find a Primary Care Doctor

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When it comes to navigating the health care system, it can be confusing and overwhelming with the various types of doctors.

While there are many types of specialists , like a cardiologist or oncologist, that provide care for specific cases and instances, the one type of doctor everyone should have is a primary care doctor.

Primary care doctors serve as your first point of contact for your general health needs and concerns.

Key Takeaways:

• A primary care provider, or PCP, is a doctor who handles your routine health care. They can monitor different aspects of your health and refer you to specialists for more specific problems. 
• There are a variety of ways to find a primary care doctor for you. You can start by talking to family and friends, using an online search tool and checking online reviews. 
• After finding a doctor you’d like to try, consider things like wait time, office environment, and the provider’s communication to decide whether they’re a good fit for you.

Why You Need a Primary Care Physician

Although some people use urgent care or the emergency room for their primary care needs, that doesn't allow you to build a trusted, long-term relationship with one provider, says internal medicine physician Dr. James Wantuck, chief medical officer and cofounder of the telehealth platform PlushCare.

By building a relationship over time, the provider becomes a detective to find out what's wrong when something isn't right with your health. They can monitor changes or trends in your health over time to diagnose, treat and prevent any new health problems that may arise.

General and preventive care and services primary care providers offer include:

• Annual physicals and checkups.
• Blood tests.
• Health screenings .
• Routine vaccinations.
• Common and/or minor health issues, such as colds, flu , ear infections, rashes and insect bites.
• Chronic conditions, including allergies , asthma, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and skin conditions.
• Women's health care, such as birth control, pelvic exams and Pap smears.

If you have a complex or specific medical condition that requires particular expertise, your primary care physician can refer you to see a medical specialist.

Types of Primary Care Physicians and Providers

There are several types of doctors who work as primary care physicians. Here's a breakdown of the types of doctors who are PCPs.

Family medicine physician

A family medicine physician cares for the whole person through all stages of life, from infant to older age. They will focus on seeing you as a whole person rather than just one specific health problem, says Dr. Ada Stewart, board chair of the American Academy of Family Physicians and a practicing family physician in Columbia, South Carolina.

A family medicine doctor will earn their four-year undergraduate degree, a medical degree and then take part in a three-year residency program.

Internal medicine physician

Also called internists, an internal medicine physician specializes in care for adults age 18 and over. This includes diagnosing, treating and helping to prevent health problems.

An internal medicine doctor will earn their four-year undergraduate degree, a medical degree and then take part in a three-year residency program.

Pediatrician

A pediatrician cares for children and young adults. Many pediatricians offer care through age 21, but some may advocate that you try to find a new provider around the age of 18.

After getting their medical degree, a pediatrician takes part in a three-year residency program for specialized training related to caring for children.

An OB-GYN can be a primary care provider for some women, particularly young, healthy women. However, OB-GYNs specialize in reproductive health and aren't equipped to handle problems like strep throat, COVID-19 or other health issues beyond women's health. Also, many family medicine and internal medicine physicians will handle routine gynecological care, such as Pap smears.

Nurse practitioner or physician assistant

A nurse practitioner or a physician assistant can be a primary care provider. Although they are not medical doctors, they work closely with physicians and will refer to their supervising doctor, says Dr. Susan Besser, a primary care provider specializing in family medicine at Mercy Personal Physicians at Overlea in Baltimore. In many states, nurse practitioners have the same prescriptive authority as doctors and can prescribe medications, but there are certain states that only allow medical doctors to issue certain prescriptions.

MD vs. DO Degrees

When you see a primary care physician, you may notice that some have an MD (doctor of medicine) degree, while others have a DO (doctor of osteopathic medicine) degree. Both receive similar training, but DOs study 300 to 500 hours of osteopathic manipulation, which is a hands-on approach used to treat the musculoskeletal system.

General Practice vs. Internal Medicine

A general practice and an internal medicine practice will both provide primary care near you. Both general practitioners and internal medicine doctors have an undergraduate degree, go to medical school and complete a residency.

However, a general practitioner provides general primary care for all ages. An internal medicine doctor will focus on primary care for adults age 18 and older. If you begin to see an internal medicine doctor as an adult, your children wouldn't be able to see the same doctor.

Choosing a New Primary Care Doctor

If you have to choose a new primary care doctor because of a change in health insurance , a move or changing medical needs, consider these following tips.

1. Ask friends or family.

Many referrals to a primary care provider come from friends or family members. Their recommendation can be helpful because that person knows you well.

However, a stamp of approval from a friend or family member doesn't always mean the doctor is a good match for you. You'll have different health issues than your friend or family member.

Plus, the personality mix of the doctor and patient together is the real key to a successful relationship, says Dr. Ruth Brocato, a primary care provider specializing in family medicine at Mercy Personal Physicians at Lutherville, Maryland. If a friend or family member likes a doctor, ask what they like about that provider. This will help you determine if there's a potential match for you.

2. Check online reviews.

Online reviews are popular, but they should only be a starting point when choosing a new primary care provider. It's always helpful if you see mostly positive reviews, as that likely indicates the doctor cares about his or her public image. However, negative reviews may not always be accurate, and all reviews are anecdotal.

3. Check the doctor's background credentials.

This is usually easy to find on the practice's website. You can use their online information to check the following:

• Is the doctor licensed in your state? You can find out where a doctor is licensed to practice and their education background at the Federation of State Medical Boards website .
• What is the doctor's specialty: family medicine or internal medicine?
• Is the doctor board certified? Board certification refers to a special exam that doctors can study for and pass after completing medical school. Doctors aren't required to complete board certification, but it adds an extra layer of knowledge. Board certification also requires courses that refresh the doctor's knowledge every few years.

If it's important to you, you'll also want to take into account if the doctor is male or female.

4. Ask about health insurance coverage.

You can whittle down costs when you see a primary care provider who's covered by your private health insurance plan or Medicare or Medicaid. Many health insurance plans will require you a copay for each appointment, and the plan will cover the remaining cost. Insurance plans have online tools to help you verify which local primary care providers accept your insurance.

You can also call your insurance company to find providers in your area. If you find a primary care provider you like, but their office doesn't accept your insurance, talk to the provider's staff. They may be able to arrange an affordable self-pay option. The same is true if you don't have any health care coverage. If you have health insurance, your plan still may pay for a portion of the appointment as an out-of-network visit.

5. Consider the office location.

How close is the office to your home? Beyond that, find out if there's parking or if the office is close to a bus or subway line. If you or a family member has special needs, ask in advance if the office has an elevator and ramps for wheelchairs and walkers, Stewart advises.

6. Ask how long it takes to get an appointment.

You can do this by calling the office and simply asking them how quickly a patient can usually get an appointment. You'll also want to ask if they have same-day appointments in case you get sick and need to be seen urgently.

It also can be helpful to know how the doctor handles after-hours emergencies and non-emergencies, Stewart says. For example, is there another on-call physician, or does the office use an answering service to field nighttime calls? Another consideration nowadays: Does the office have telehealth appointments?

7. When visiting, consider how long your wait time is.

You usually can expect some waiting at any doctor's office, but you'll want to make sure you're comfortable with the average wait time. That comes with a caveat.

"Obviously, wait time is important, and I aim to be on time, but realize that I may have been delayed because I was comforting a new widow, talking to a parent whose child is struggling in school or even giving a patient a new cancer diagnosis," Brocato explains.

8. Evaluate how well the primary care provider listens.

Does the doctor take the time to listen to your concerns? Do you feel comfortable opening up to him or her?

As part of this, find out about their philosophy of medical care to see if you agree with it, Besser advises.

For instance, do they prefer to prescribe medications, or are they more interested in starting with lifestyle changes? Which do you prefer? The doctor's focus on prevention of chronic diseases, rather than only treating something once a condition develops, also can be important.

If you have a preexisting condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure , ask if the doctor regularly treats patients with your condition.

Some patients may also wish to ask if the doctor regularly treats LGBTQ patients.

9. Take cues from the office environment.

Staff friendliness and office cleanliness can help indicate the type of care you'll receive.

When choosing a new primary care physician, you can set up a meet-and-greet visit to get a better feel for that person and the office. You'll find out more information during that visit to help with your decision. You also can ask the doctor's office if they offer a trial period, so you can see over a few appointments if you feel comfortable going there. Even if they don't formally offer this, you should still be able to look for a new primary care provider when you want to switch to someone new.

Bottom Line

As you try to pinpoint the right primary care provider, keep in mind that it's an ongoing, collaborative relationship. You don't want to contact the provider only when you're sick.

Stay in touch for preventive care appointments, immunizations and when you need emotional or mental health support. By staying in touch, the provider gets to know you better, which helps to build a stronger relationship.

The U.S. News Health team delivers accurate information about health, nutrition and fitness, as well as in-depth medical condition guides. All of our stories rely on multiple, independent sources and experts in the field, such as medical doctors and licensed nutritionists. To learn more about how we keep our content accurate and trustworthy, read our  editorial guidelines .

Besser is a primary care provider specializing in family medicine at Mercy Personal Physicians at Overlea in Baltimore.

Brocato is a primary care provider specializing in family medicine at Mercy Personal Physicians at Lutherville, Maryland.

Stewart is president of the American Academy of Family Physicians and a practicing family physician in Columbia, South Carolina.

Wantuck is chief medical officer and cofounder of the telehealth platform PlushCare.

Tags: doctors , patient advice , patients , health care

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The importance of a primary care provider

Primary care can seem like a general, slightly ambiguous term. What does it really mean? What is a primary care provider? Well, primary care is indeed general medical care. In fact, a primary care provider — who may come from family medicine or internal medicine, depending on your needs — is specialized in diagnosing, treating and preventing a wide variety of conditions.

But the importance of a primary care provider extends beyond his or her ability to cover myriad issues. Establishing care with a primary care provider affords you consistency and efficiency on a number of levels.

Familiarity

Knowing who you are is one thing, but knowing the intricacies of your health and wellness is another. And the latter is something a primary care provider offers you and your family. This knowledge and familiarity helps personalize your care and save time that may have previously been spent explaining medical history, personal caveats and who you are.

A primary care provider’s goal is to deliver the care that’s right for you — not employ a one-size-fits-all approach. Tailored health care is easier when you have a meaningful relationship with your provider.

Prevention and condition management

A primary care provider is responsible for screening all major health-related conditions. If you already have a chronic condition, your primary helps manage it and improve your quality of life.

We screen for many things, including obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes. We also look at immunization records and help with regular immunization refills. Those refills are more difficult if you don’t have a primary care provider.

Emergency Department, Urgent Care and primary care

People often question when the right time to seek care with their primary is. Should they go to Urgent Care or the Emergency Department (ED)? These options aren’t interchangeable and should be chosen thoughtfully.

An emergency is when a severe condition arises. It’s often a life or death situation. Good examples are heart attack symptoms, stroke or a severe allergic reaction. For emergencies, go to the ED.

If, from a medical standpoint, you feel like your ailment can’t wait until tomorrow, Urgent Care is the place to go. Urgent Care providers commonly diagnose and treat colds and coughs, ear infections, minor burns and cuts, rashes and other non-life threatening conditions.

Again, seek primary care for non-emergent needs, including checkups, screenings, care for common illnesses and immunizations. Primary care should always be your first stop if possible — but not in an emergency.

Caring for you as a team

Primary care providers are part of an expert team that can meet your exact needs. These teams are commonly comprised of physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, registered nurses, Patient Access staff and patient care associates. Contributing unique perspectives, the team approach provides you with well-rounded health care.

If you haven’t already, consider doing some research and picking a primary care provider who’s right for you. The continuity of care you’ll receive and familiarity you’ll experience will help you get the care that’s best for you.

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Primary Care

The following definitions relating to primary care should be taken together. They describe the care provided to the patient, the system delivering care, and the clinicians providing primary care. Together they form a framework where patients can access efficient, equitable, and effective primary care services of the highest quality leading to better care, better health, and lower costs.

Definition #1 - Primary Care

Primary care is the provision of integrated, accessible health care services by physicians and their health care teams who are accountable for addressing a large majority of personal health care needs, developing a sustained partnership with patients, and practicing in the context of family and community. The care is person-centered, team-based, community-aligned, and designed to achieve better health, better care, and lower costs.

Primary care physicians specifically are trained for and skilled in comprehensive, first contact, and continuing care for persons with any undiagnosed sign, symptom, or health concern (the “undifferentiated” patient) not limited by problem origin (biological, behavioral, or social), organ system, or diagnosis. Additionally ,  primary care includes health promotion, disease prevention, health maintenance, counseling, patient education, diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses in a variety of health care settings (e.g., office, inpatient, critical care, long-term care, home care, schools, telehealth, etc.). Primary care is performed and managed by a personal physician who often collaborates with other health professionals, and utilizes consultation or referral as appropriate. Primary care provides patient advocacy in the health care system to accomplish cost-effective and equitable care by coordination of health care services. Primary care promotes effective communication with patients and families to encourage them to be a partner in health care.

Definition #2 - Primary Care Practice

A primary care practice serves as the patient's entry point into the health care system and as the continuing focal point for all needed health care services. Primary care practices provide patients with ready access to their own personal physician and health care team.  It includes care that is: Person and family-oriented, continuous, comprehensive and equitable, team-based and collaborative, coordinated and integrated, accessible, and high value.

Primary care practices meet the needs of patients with differentiated and undifferentiated problems and manage the vast majority of patients' concerns. Primary care practices are generally located in the community they serve, thereby facilitating access to health care while maintaining a wide variety of specialty and institutional consultative and referral relationships for specific care needs. The primary care practice structure often includes a team of physicians and other health professionals.

Definition #3 - Primary Care Physician

A primary care physician is a specialist in family medicine, general internal medicine or general pediatrics who provides definitive care to the undifferentiated patient at the point of first contact, and takes continuing responsibility for providing the patient's comprehensive care. This care may include chronic, preventive and acute care in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Such physicians are specifically trained to provide comprehensive primary care services through residency or fellowship training in acute and chronic care settings.

Primary care physicians devote most of their practice to providing primary care services to a defined patient population. The primary care practice style is such that the personal primary care physician serves as the entry point for the patient's health care needs - not limited by problem origin, organ system, or diagnosis. Primary care physicians advocate for the patient in coordinating the use of the entire health care system to benefit the patient.

Definition #4 - Non-Primary Care Physicians and Other Clinicians Delivering Primary Care Services

Physicians without training in the primary care specialties of family medicine, general internal medicine, or general pediatrics may sometimes provide patient care services that primary care physicians usually deliver. These physicians may focus on specific patient care needs related to prevention, health maintenance, acute care, chronic care or rehabilitation. These physicians, however, do not offer these services within the context of comprehensive, first contact and continuing care.

Non-primary care physicians' contributions may be necessary to meet specific patient needs. However, the absence of full-scope primary care training requires that these individuals work in close consultation with primary care physicians. An effective primary care system may utilize these physicians as members of the health care team while a primary care physician maintains responsibility for the team's success and the comprehensive, ongoing health care of the patient.

Nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other clinicians may render primary care services to meet the needs of specific patients. They should provide patient care as part of a collaborative team where the ultimate responsibility for the patient resides with the primary care physician. (1975) (2006)

Definition #5 - Primary Care Team

Patients are best served when their care is provided by an integrated practice care team led by a primary care physician. Health professionals work together as an interprofessional, interdependent team in patients' best interests to support comprehensive care delivery. They manage the care of an individual patient and a population of patients using an interprofessional, collaborative approach to health care. The team should support enhanced communication and processes that empower all staff to effectively utilize the skills, training, and abilities of each team member to the full extent of their professional capacity.

*In this document, the term physician refers only to doctors of medicine (M.D.) and osteopathy (D.O.).

Use of Term

The AAFP recognizes the term "primary care" and that family physicians provide services commonly recognized as primary care. However, the terms, "primary care" and "family medicine" are not interchangeable. "Primary care" does not fully describe family physicians' activities nor the practice of family medicine. Similarly, primary care departments do not replace the form or function of family medicine departments. (1977) (January 2022 COD)

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What to Expect at Your Annual Wellness Visit

Once a year, you make an appointment with your primary care physician to make sure your health is in good working order and detect potential concerns early, before symptoms are noticeable.

To schedule your annual wellness or follow-up office visit with a provider in Primary Care, please visit here or login to Connect .

Most insurance plans cover your annual wellness exam — no copay required. However, you may find the actual components of a wellness visit a bit confusing.

Review the FAQs below to learn what to expect during your next annual wellness visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in a wellness visit.

Your annual wellness visit includes the following:

• A review of your medical and surgical history
• Screenings - we generally follow screening recommendations of the USPSTF
• Blood tests
• Immunizations - we follow the vaccine schedules published by the CDC
• A physical exam
• Counseling to prevent future health problems 

How should I prepare for my visit?

Please check in via Connect up to 5 days before your visit to make sure we have your most up-to-date information, including your medications, medical history and insurance. You will be able to update these, along with your preferred pharmacy. You can also review and update your responses to your health questionnaire.

Please fast for at least 4 hours prior to your visit. You may drink water or black coffee, and take your maintenance medications.  Pediatric and Gynecology patients should not fast.

On the day of your appointment, please arrive on time and bring your insurance card and ID.

What if I need to ask my doctor about a specific medical issue?

Specific issues are considered part of a follow-up or “sick” visit. These aspects of your visit will be billed to your insurance, and you may be responsible for copayments, coinsurance or deductible payments, based on the terms of your policy.

If you would like to address non-routine concerns during your wellness visit, you can let your doctor know about these issues when you schedule your appointment. Depending on their complexity, the questions may need to be dealt with at a later time.

What does a follow-up or “sick” visit include?

• Treatment of a chronic condition such as diabetes, asthma or high blood pressure
• Any new problems or complaints
• Your need for new medications or tests
• Referrals to a specialist
• Additional treatment options

What is a Medicare annual wellness visit and what does it include?

The Medicare annual wellness visit, covered by Medicare, allows your health-care provider to conduct a health risk assessment and propose screenings and prevention strategies. As well, your provider will make sure all your immunizations, cancer screenings and other screenings are discussed and scheduled.

Your Medicare wellness visit does not include a detailed physical exam or management of chronic or new medical problems . Your physician may be able to perform a complete physical and address new or existing medical issues during your Medicare annual wellness visit, but you could incur additional charges.

What to expect during your Medicare annual wellness visit

At your Medicare annual wellness visit, your health care provider will:

• Review your blood pressure, heart rate, height, weight and body mass index (BMI).
• Review your current health problems, as well as your medical, surgical, family and social histories.
• Review your current medications.
• Conduct a health risk assessment.
• Provide nutrition counseling.
• Discuss an exercise plan to fit your lifestyle.
• Discuss smoking cessation and arrange for counseling, if needed.
• Discuss fall prevention.
• Discuss advance care planning.
• Discuss preventive screenings recommended by evidence-based practice guidelines that are indicated for you based upon your age, risk factors and family history

How to prepare for your Medicare wellness visit

Bring these items to your visit:

• Immunization records
• A list of current prescribed medicines, supplements and over-the-counter medications
• A list of your patient care team—any specialists you see for various types of care
• Be prepared to review your family medical history.

Can I combine a Medicare or non-Medicare wellness visit with a follow up visit?

Combining a wellness visit with a follow-up office visit will save you time by eliminating an extra appointment, but doing so may affect your costs. Additional concerns beyond a wellness visit may be billed to your insurance, which can  result in unplanned out-of-pocket costs to you. For these reasons, Weill Cornell Primary Care recommends that you schedule your annual wellness visit and any follow-up or sick office visits separately.

What are the most important points I need to keep in mind?

• Review your insurance plan’s summary of benefits before your appointment to understand what your insurance company will or will not cover.
• When scheduling a wellness visit, clearly state that you would like to make an appointment for your annual wellness or preventive care exam. That will help the practice prepare for your visit and bill your insurance company appropriately.
• When you speak with your doctor or other practitioner, let them know you are there for a wellness exam. Or, if you need to discuss a specific concern that may require treatment, make sure to bring their attention to any non-routine concerns at the start of your appointment.

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The Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) is a yearly appointment with your primary care provider (PCP) to create or update a personalized prevention plan. This plan may help prevent illness based on your current health and risk factors. Keep in mind that the AWV is not a head-to-toe physical. Also, this service is similar to but separate from the one-time Welcome to Medicare preventive visit .

Eligibility

Medicare Part B covers the Annual Wellness Visit if:

• You have had Part B for over 12 months
• And, you have not received an AWV in the past 12 months

Additionally, you cannot receive your AWV within the same year as your Welcome to Medicare preventive visit.

Covered services

During your first Annual Wellness Visit, your PCP will develop your personalized prevention plan. Your PCP may also:

• Check your height, weight, blood pressure, and other routine measurements
• This may include a questionnaire that you complete before or during the visit. The questionnaire asks about your health status, injury risks, behavioral risks, and urgent health needs.
• This includes screening for hearing impairments and your risk of falling.
• Your doctor must also assess your ability to perform activities of daily living (such as bathing and dressing), and your level of safety at home.
• Learn about your medical and family history
• Medications include prescription medications, as well as vitamins and supplements you may take
• Your PCP should keep in mind your health status, screening history, and eligibility for age-appropriate, Medicare-covered preventive services
• Medicare does not require that doctors use a test to screen you. Instead, doctors are asked to rely on their observations and/or on reports by you and others.
• Screen for depression
• Health education and preventive counseling may relate to weight loss, physical activity, smoking cessation, fall prevention, nutrition, and more.

AWVs after your first visit may be different. At subsequent AWVs, your doctor should:

• Check your weight and blood pressure
• Update the health risk assessment you completed
• Update your medical and family history
• Update your list of current medical providers and suppliers
• Update your written screening schedule
• Screen for cognitive issues
• Provide health advice and referrals to health education and/or preventive counseling services

If you qualify, Original Medicare covers the Annual Wellness Visit at 100% of the Medicare-approved amount when you receive the service from a participating provider . This means you pay nothing (no deductible or coinsurance ). Medicare Advantage Plans are required to cover AWVs without applying deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance when you see an in-network provider and meet Medicare’s eligibility requirements for the service.

During the course of your AWV, your provider may discover and need to investigate or treat a new or existing problem. This additional care is considered diagnostic, meaning your provider is treating you because of certain symptoms or risk factors. Medicare may bill you for any diagnostic care you receive during a preventive visit.

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