Tips for choosing a primary care provider (PCP)

If you want to choose a new doctor to be your primary care provider (PCP), you can:

• Search for primary care providers near you at Find a primary care provider
• Ask friends and family to suggest providers
• Ask other medical professionals such as your dentist or pharmacist to suggest providers
• Visit the provider’s website
• Check the office address to see if it is easy to get to
• Call the office to see:
  • Which health plans they accept
  • How long it takes to get an appointment
  • If the staff is friendly and helpful
  • If the office hours work for you
  • If the provider speaks your language and meets any special needs
  • Which hospitals they use and if you can get there easily

Also, think about your answers to these questions:

• Do you want a PCP close to your home or work?
• Is the PCP's office close to public transportation, or is there enough parking?
• Are you more comfortable with a male or female PCP?

Once you know the PCP you want, choose a plan that works with that PCP.  To see if your PCP choice is in one of the health plans, go to Find a primary care provider.