Five 'must-do's' when choosing a primary care provider

Choosing someone to help you manage your health is a big decision – you want someone you can trust and who instills confidence.

"The term PCP – primary care provider, that is – refers to a larger group of providers who can help you manage your overall health," explained Dr. Donald Maharty, a doctor of osteopathic medicine and vice president of medical education for Cape Fear Valley Health. "We take care of things that don't need to be referred to a specialist, and partner with our patients to determine when and if you need a more specialized type of care."

Maharty added, "Because of the vital role a primary care provider plays in helping you stay healthy, choosing the right provider can be one of the most important decisions you'll make in your life."

Take a few minutes to write down what's most important to you in a primary care provider.

Do you prefer an office close to home or close to where you work? You may be the type of patient who prioritizes convenience. These patients want to be seen on time, get in and out quickly, and may appreciate services like online scheduling, e-visits or a comprehensive patient portal.

Is it important that your provider spends a great deal of time with you, gets to know your family and asks a lot of questions? If so, you may be willing to wait a little longer for more time and attention.

Whatever you need from your primary care relationship, making a list of priorities will help you know what to look for.

There are many types of providers out there, so it's important to know the difference so you can make an informed decision. In most cases, you can choose from four primary types of providers:

Each are qualified medical professionals who can provide primary care services and write prescriptions, but there are nuances in their training and approach to providing care that differ slightly.

Similarly, when it comes to primary care providers – there are a variety of specialties to choose from.

"Primary care includes a variety of specialties, including family medicine, internal medicine, pediatric medicine, and obstetrics and gynecology. Some prefer a doctor who can see the whole family, which makes a family-medicine doctor the best choice," Maharty explained. "On the other hand, Internal medicine providers only see patients age 18 [and older], so this specialty is an ideal choice for adult men or anyone who prefers a provider focused on chronic disease management and overall wellness."

He added, "In some cases, a woman may prefer to see an OB/GYN regularly and for their annual check-up. For parents who don't see a family medicine doctor, a pediatrician may be a good choice for kids under 18."

"One of the best ways to find a great primary care provider is through word of mouth. I tell my patients, friends and family to start by asking around," Maharty said.

You can also research popular rating or review sites such as Vitals, Healthgrades and even Google, but Maharty advised to take online information with a grain of salt.

"Don't trust everything you read on the Internet," Maharty said. "Online review sites can give you some insight into a provider's approach and their office staff, but those who take the time to do an online review may have extreme views one way or the other."

Finding the right provider is such an important decision, so it's important to make sure you've landed the best provider for your needs.

Once you find a provider who piques your interest, see if the office will allow you to meet the provider or check out the office without an appointment. If not, go ahead and schedule an initial patient visit or an annual physical to determine whether or not they are a good fit for you. In either case, things to look for include:

Did you connect personally with the provider? Do you feel like this is someone you can trust with your health?

Maharty recommended having a "goal" for every appointment. In most cases, your provider can't address more than one to three issues per visit.

"Coming in with a clear goal will help you and your provider make the most of your time together," Maharty concluded.