If you are like most patients, you are required to choose a primary care provider (PCP) by your medical insurance. A PCP is a provider or nurse practitioner who serves as your first point of contact when you experience symptoms of illness or disease. However, they also play a significant role in your overall care, helping you achieve and maintain good health and a better quality of life. It is important, therefore, that you find a primary care provider with whom you feel comfortable and confident,and can establish a long-term relationship in order to receive the best quality primary and preventive care.
Tips on Finding the Right Primary Care Provider
Start by locating the providers who are in-network with your health plan.By focusing on healthcare professionals in your insurance company’s network, you’ll pay less in out-of-pocket expenses and avoid any unexpected surprises that may result from visiting a provider who doesn’t accept your plan. You can find a conveniently located in-network provider simply by checking with your insurance plan.
Next, narrow down your search to providers with expertise that matches your particular healthcare needs. There are different types of healthcare professionals who identify as a primary care provider. For example, some treat a wide variety of conditions including ailments for which you would normally see a specialist – such as women’s health issues or sports injuries. Others specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and management of chronic diseases. Consult an online directory, such as Healthgrades or Doximity, to find a provider that fits your specific needs.
Another way to find a primary care provider is to ask someone you know – a family member, friend, or coworker – for a recommendation. Or, if you are moving to a new location, ask your current PCP.
In any case, look for a provider with an office that is:
- Conveniently located near your home or workplace
- Offers same day or reasonably timely appointments
- Affords long enough appointment times with patients
Communication can also be an important factor. If English is your second language, you’ll need to find a PCP with whom you can converse clearly and understandably.
The final step in finding the right primary care provider is to arrange a preliminary face-to-face meeting to make sure you are compatible. Discuss your medical history and any current medications you are taking with the provider to make sure you are in agreement about managing any chronic conditions you may have. At the same time, evaluate the office environment, how the staff treats patients, and how long you must wait to see the provider. The right practice will provide prompt, friendly, efficient, responsive, and accommodating service.
Primary Care in Kent, Washington
At FamilyCare of Kent, our highly skilled nurse practitioners provide a family-centered approach to primary health care. In our 30-year history, it is our experience that families benefit from having a single health care provider that provides comprehensive services that include:
- Annual Wellness Exams and Physicals
- Women’s Health/Gynecology
- Teen Health
- Children’s Health
- Vaccines and Immunizations
- Dermatology
- Asthma Care
- Sexual Health
- Travel Medicine
Our nurse practitioners stay up to date on the latest advances in health and medicine,and have several decades of combined experience caring for children, teens, and adults. So, if you are looking for the right primary care provider, look no further than the dedicated healthcare professionals at FamilyCare of Kent.
To schedule an appointment for yourself or a family member, simply use our convenient online appointment request form or call FamilyCare of Kent in Washington at (253) 859-2273 (CARE).