How to Find a Primary Health Care Provider

 

Intro	Check-Ups
Why do I need a PCP?	Confidentiality
How to Find a PCP	Reproductive Health
Health Plans	I Don't Like My PCP
Qualifications of PCPs	When to Visit?
Deciding on a PCP

 

What should I look for in a PCP?

Decide if you want your health care provider to be a woman or a man, or if it doesn't matter. You should feel comfortable with your PCP, since it is important to share personal information and any health problems with him/her. You need to find a health care provider who will listen to your concerns and answer your questions, and takes the time to explain things clearly to you. It's a good idea to try to find a health care provider who has an office near where you live or go to school.

 

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

You should ask your pediatrician if he or she sees teenagers or if there is someone in the office that sees teenagers. There may be special hours for teens to be seen in the office. If not, ask your pediatrician for names of other providers who see teens. Talk with your pediatrician about 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, or your insurance company may have a list of covered providers.

 

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Written by the CYWH Staff at Children's Hospital Boston

 

Updated: 5/27/2011