Finding the right primary care doctor is essential for those looking to take control of their health and well-being. Primary care doctors are medical professionals who provide comprehensive medical care for patients of all ages. 

The relationship between a patient and their primary care doctor is key. Having a supportive relationship is important for successful medical treatment and overall patient wellness.  

What is a primary care doctor?

Primary care doctors refer to physicians who are trained in family medicine, general internal medicine or general pediatrics. They are often the first point of contact for patients when they enter the medical system.

These medical professionals diagnose and treat a broad range of common illnesses. They do so in patients of all ages and genders. This is why some primary care doctor’s offices are referred to as a “family practice.”

It is not uncommon to find different types of physicians within primary care. Family doctors treat patients of all ages. They are trained in pediatrics, obstetrics, geriatric medicine and more. 

Other professionals also work in primary care practices. These include pediatricians, internists (internal medicine doctors), and geriatricians. Nurse practitioners and physician assistants can also fill the role of primary care provider. 

What do primary care doctors do?

Primary care doctors are also called primary care physicians (PCP). They're often the first stop for health concerns. PCPs help diagnose and treat common illnesses and manage chronic conditions. They also provide preventive health services, health maintenance, and general medical advice as needed. 

Primary care doctors educate their patients (and caregivers) on medical trends, disease prevention, and wellness.

They are also responsible for coordinating their patient’s healthcare. This includes lab tests,  follow-up appointments, and any referrals to specialists. Primary care doctors are also trained in preventive care. This includes regular checkups, annual screenings, immunizations, and more. 

Having a trusted PCP is important for everyone. Having a doctor who is familiar with a patient's medical history goes a long way in helping patients achieve optimal health. It is important for managing medical conditions and providing preventive care. Primary care doctors also form an important link between specialists and patients by providing referrals to specialty care as needed.

Five tips for finding a primary care doctor

Access to primary care is linked to a longer life expectancy. While it’s important to have a primary care doctor, finding the right one can be challenging. This is especially true for those trying to jump through the hoops of their health insurance (e.g. in-network vs. out-of-network). 

Here are five quick tips for finding a new doctor. 

1. Check with your insurance company.

The first step is to check with your insurance provider if you have one. Different health plans have different network doctors and policies for accepting new patients. Knowing which primary care doctors are in-network can save both time and money in the long run.

2. Verify the doctor’s credentials and background.

Another important tip is to verify a potential doctor's credentials and background. HealthTap doctors have profile pages on our website where you can learn about each doctor’s credentials, experience, education, ratings, question answers, awards and more. Here is an example: Geoff Rutledge, MD. You can also find profiles for doctors by conducting a quick search on any of several search engines or directories. Check several to get a good consensus that will inform your decision. You can ensure your potential primary care doctor is qualified and experienced to your satisfaction.

Verifying their credentials can provide confidence that a doctor received the proper training and education. Verifying a doctor’s background can ensure they don’t have any disciplinary actions on their license. This includes any action taken against them for professional misconduct. 

At the end of the day, a primary care doctor should be qualified. They should also be experienced and trustworthy.

3. Choose the right doctor to fit the need.

It is also important to consider a doctor’s area of expertise. Most primary care doctors can diagnose and treat common illnesses, as well as provide preventive services. These include regular physicals, screenings, and immunizations.

There are different types of primary care doctors. These include family practice physicians, internists and general practitioners. Family practice doctors are trained to treat patients of all ages. Internists generally treat adults and specialize in preventing and managing chronic diseases.

4. Ask for recommendations.

Another tip for finding a primary care doctor involves asking around for recommendations from family, friends, or other medical professionals. These can provide key insights into the quality of medical care provided by a particular healthcare provider.  

Family and friends may be able to provide first-hand information about their experiences with local primary care doctors. They can also provide personal insight into making the first appointment with a new doctor. While family and friends may have good recommendations, it’s important to keep in mind that they are not medical professionals themselves and may not know exactly what someone else needs or is looking for in their primary care provider.

That’s one reason why it may help to ask for a recommendation from other healthcare professionals. For example, a person could ask their dentist, pharmacist, or mental health professional for a recommendation for a primary care provider in their area. These clinicians can offer advice and recommendations for finding a primary care doctor, and may provide professional insights that family and friends won’t be able to provide. 

5. Check for access to telehealth services.

Access to telehealth services is another consideration when choosing a primary care doctor. 

An online doctor visit provides numerous benefits for patients, including:

• Same-day or next-day access.
• The flexibility that comes with virtual visits.
• The ability to complete a visit at home, without commuting to an office
• Feeling less rushed during appointments.

The bottom line

HealthTap has affordable virtual primary care providers online. HealthTap primary care doctors are available to give medical advice, diagnose and treat medical conditions, order tests, prescribe medication as needed, and more. It’s quick and easy to schedule an online appointment with HealthTap. 

With a patient’s ability to text follow-up questions or inquire about refills after their appointment, HealthTap puts quality healthcare right at everyone’s fingertips. 

Get started with HealthTap today — your next primary care doctor is just one tap away.