8 Questions to Ask When Looking for a New Primary Care Physician
Check credentials, proximity, ease of access and more
Check credentials, proximity, ease of access and more
If you need a new primary care physician, take your time to find the right one. Check their qualifications, locations, office hours and other important information.
Your primary care doctor is your main contact for many of your health care needs, including routine checkups, vaccines and treatment for common illnesses.
If you are thinking about an HMO or managed care plan, you must choose a primary care physician when you sign up. Your primary care provider will refer you to specialists if needed.
It is important to pick a doctor you will feel comfortable with for a long time. “Trust, confidence and ease of communication are all essential to a successful doctor-patient relationship,” says Brian Park, DO, a family medicine physician at Scripps Clinic Encinitas.
The questions below can help you with the basics of your search, including whether the doctor is going to be a good fit for you and your family.
1. What kind of doctor do I need?
Choosing a primary care doctor is an important step in taking care of your health. Family medicine doctors, internal medicine doctors and pediatricians are all types of primary care physicians. Each type has its own focus and specialties.
Family medicine doctors treat patients of all ages. Internal medicine doctors only treat adults. Pediatricians care for babies, children and teens up to age 17.
Scripps has a large network of primary care providers, including internal medicine, family medicine and pediatrics.
2. Does the doctor accept my insurance?
Make sure the doctor accepts your health insurance. If you need help, call their office.
Finding a doctor you like who accepts your insurance can save you money and avoid unexpected charges. In an HMO plan, you will need referrals from your primary care doctor to see a specialist. In PPO plans, make sure your physicians are in network.
Insurance company websites usually have a search tool that can help you see if a doctor, medical group or hospital is covered. You can also find a phone number to call if you have questions.
Scripps accepts many health insurance plans.
3. What are the doctor’s credentials and experience?
The minimum qualification requirements for a physician are medical school, an internship and residency in an area of specialization, such as family medicine. Some physicians also complete a fellowship, which is more specialized training or research.
“In addition to education, a physician’s certifications, professional experience and areas of interest can provide valuable insight into his or her expertise,” says Dr. Park. “If you have a specific interest, such as lifestyle first approach to care, consider finding a physician who shares that interest.”
You may find it helpful to ask about the following:
Board certification: This shows that a doctor has gone beyond basic licensing. It means they have met national standards for education, knowledge, experience and skills in a specific medical specialty. Studies show that board-certified doctors provide higher quality care and have better patient outcomes.
Teaching or lecturing at universities or medical schools: Many experienced physicians serve as adjunct faculty or guest speakers at schools and medical conferences.
Special areas of expertise: A primary care physician may have an interest in complementary therapies, such as acupuncture. A gynecologist may specialize in treating infertility or menopause.
Participation in research studies or clinical trials: This may indicate that the physician is involved in the development of new and advanced treatments.
4. Which accredited hospitals does the doctor use?
Make sure your physician can provide treatment at the hospital of your choice. Check that your insurance plan covers care at those facilities.
“It’s important to consider what will happen if you need surgery or care at a hospital in both inpatient and outpatient situations,” says Dr. Park. “You want to have as much confidence in the staff caring for you in the hospital as you do in your physician.”
Make sure your doctor admits patients to health care facilities that have passed a careful on-site evaluation and meets established quality and safety standards, such as those set by The Joint Commission.
Scripps is a highly rated health system that operates four hospitals in five locations throughout San Diego County.
5. Is the doctor’s office convenient for you?
The doctor’s location and office hours should be convenient for you. Many people like to see a doctor close to home. This way, when they are sick, they do not have to travel far.
Others prefer a doctor’s office near their work. This helps them take less time off for routine check-ups or acute care visits.
Doctors at larger practices, such as Scripps Clinic and Scripps Coastal Medical Center, may have office hours at different locations. This offers you more flexibility when scheduling appointments.
Scripps also offers On-Demand and scheduled primary care video visits.
6. What is the doctor-patient communication style?
Your doctor’s communication style can affect your relationship for better or for worse. Some doctors tell patients exactly what to do, such as which medicines to take. This approach works well for patients who want their doctor to make all decisions about their care.
Others offer several options and provide a recommendation. It might go like this: “You can reduce the sodium in your diet or take medication for blood pressure. I would recommend the medication.”
Some explain all treatment options, the pros and cons of each choice. Then, they let the patient make the final decision.
“The best fit depends on how involved the patient wants to be with his or her own care decisions, and how open the doctor is to the patient’s participation in those decisions,” says Dr. Park. “Ideally, you want to find a good match and remember to advocate for what you want. At the end of the day, it is your health.”
7. Can I communicate with my physician through an online patient portal?
Ask how easy it is to reach your physician. Most offer online patient portals where you can ask questions and follow up after visits.
At Scripps, the MyScripps patient portal offers a secure way for patients to manage their health from home. Scripps also provides virtual care options like symptom checkers, e-visits and video visits for non-urgent needs.
8. What if care is needed on short notice or after office hours?
If you have a sudden illness or injury, check how quickly you can get an appointment. Many practices have nurse practitioners or physician assistants available when your doctor isn’t.
If your physician is part of a system like Scripps, you may also have access to options like walk-in clinics, urgent care and emergency care. Knowing the difference between emergency and non-emergency is key:
- Walk-in clinics: For minor issues without an appointment.
- Urgent care: Same-day care for non-life-threatening conditions.
- Emergency care: For serious, life-threatening situations like severe injuries.
Scripps HealthExpress walk-in clinics are located at Scripps Clinic and Scripps Coastal Medical Center locations throughout San Diego County. Same-day, on-demand or scheduled video visits are also available.
Scripps urgent care centers are located at Scripps Clinic Torrey Pines, Scripps Clinic Rancho Bernardo and Scripps Coastal Medical Center Jefferson in Oceanside.
Scripps emergency rooms are located at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas, Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego and Scripps Mercy Hospital Chula Vista.