Finding a new primary care physician (PCP) as a young adult can be overwhelming. That’s especially the case if you recently left your parents’ insurance plan and need a health professional you can trust.
After years of relying on a pediatrician with intimate knowledge of your medical history, it can be hard to navigate the many options of new doctors.
So, let’s break it down. Discover the steps for finding a PCP and tips for scheduling your first visit.
What Is a Primary Care Physician?
A PCP helps diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions in all types of patients. They’re your main resource for general questions about your health.
Primary care doctors are often your first line of defense throughout your health care journey. They make sure you’re caught up on preventive vaccines, physicals, and screenings. They also track and record your medical history to diagnose conditions and address chronic health concerns.
They also can perform in-office tests and blood draws, prescribe medications, and make referrals to specialty clinics for care outside of their expertise.
How to Find a Primary Care Physician
Health insurance
First, you’ll want to determine which doctors are in your health insurance “network” — or who accepts your insurance plan. To do this, you often can call the office and ask. You also can use online directories to begin your search.
Finding a professional who accepts your insurance means you’ll have lower out-of-pocket costs after each visit. It may help to find a hospital system or medical institution that you know accepts your insurance and identify a doctor within that network.
If you do not have health insurance, ask about discounted self-pay options or possible help for low-income patients. Consider seeking government assistance or exploring other affordable insurance plans, too.
If you already have a family physician you trust, ask them for a referral. You also can ask trusted family and friends if they have a recommendation.
Focus your search
Now it’s time to narrow your search. Many doctors identify as PCPs, including those in family medicine, internal medicine, and obstetrics and gynecology. Identify doctors who have experience with your particular health needs or concerns.
- Family medicine doctors typically accept patients of all ages, from infancy to old age. They can diagnose and treat a variety of conditions, which may include women’s health needs and sports injuries. They also provide preventive care such as vaccines, health screenings, and annual physicals.
- Internal medicine doctors, or internists, treat patients 18 and older. Internists specialize in diagnosing, treating, and preventing chronic illness or disease in adults. Many have a subspecialty in a specific medical area, such as heart health, lung health, inflammatory disorders, and more. They also can provide preventive care like vaccines, screenings, and physicals.
- Obstetrician-gynecologists (ob-gyns) specialize in care involving the female reproductive system and female hormones. They provide services for women’s health issues, such as annual gynecologic exams, reproductive care, cancer screenings, and much more.
Once you’ve zeroed in on your preference, confirm the doctor is accepting new patients by contacting their office.
Location and office hours
While searching for a new doctor, don’t forget to research how far their office is from your home or workplace. Also, consider whether their office hours are flexible enough to accommodate your schedule.
Ask about telehealth services, last-minute appointments, and missed/rescheduled appointment policies. You also may want to check what hospital the doctor admits patients to in emergencies.
Make a visit
The best way to confirm whether a new physician is right for you is to schedule a visit, either in person or virtually.
When you make the appointment, either via phone or through an online portal, let the office staff know you’re looking for a new provider and would like to sit down and discuss your expectations.
If you’re meeting in person, get a feel for the office atmosphere and confirm you’re comfortable with the entire staff. Talk to the PCP about your medical history, medications, and worries moving forward. Confirm the provider can meet those requirements.
How to Know If a PCP Is Right for You
Many different factors can go into choosing a PCP. PCPs can play a crucial role in your overall health, so it’s important to find one who meets your needs and whom you’re comfortable with.
Here are just some things to consider when making your decision:
- Accessibility — Is your PCP and/or their office easy to get in touch with? Do they respond quickly when you attempt to contact them? It’s important to find a PCP who will be available and responsive when you need them.
- Bedside manner — Does the PCP conduct themselves professionally when talking to you? Do they answer your questions clearly, honestly, and thoroughly? Do you feel comfortable talking to them? You should choose a PCP whom you feel at ease with.
- Comfort — What is the atmosphere like inside the PCP’s office? Do you feel comfortable there? Does the staff make you feel at home?
- Convenience — Consider whether your PCP makes sense from a logistical perspective. Do they offer flexible hours or virtual visits? Is their office location close to where you live or work?
- Insurance — Is this provider part of your insurance network, or do they accept your insurance? If so, you should have lower out-of-pocket costs. If you don’t have insurance, do they offer assistance for lower-income patients or discounted self-pay options?
- Language — If you don’t speak English or have other language needs, it’s important to find a provider who can accommodate you.
- Medical expertise — Do you have a chronic condition like asthma or heart disease? If so, you may want to choose an internist who specializes in those conditions. Are you looking for a provider who can offer reproductive care? If so, you can consider an ob-gyn or a family medicine PCP who provides those services.
- Other preferences — Do you feel more comfortable seeing a doctor of a particular age or gender? Do you have any other preferences you want for a PCP?
Choosing a PCP for the first time as a young adult can feel challenging, but taking the time to find the right one can make a big difference in your health. Your PCP can play a big role in keeping you healthy as you go deeper into adulthood.
Editor's Note: This article was originally published on , and was last reviewed on .