Knowledge Center
Choosing a primary care physician
Finding a primary care physician is an important part of maintaining your overall health. Here's how to find a primary care doctor who's right for you.
rendition
photo
lh-rounded
true
lh-circular
false
lh-full-width
false
What is a primary care physician?
A primary care physician – also known as a primary care provider or a PCP – is a doctor who provides routine and preventive health care. They perform regular checkups, help manage ongoing health conditions, order screenings and lab tests, and treat common illnesses and injuries.
Your PCP is often the first person you contact when you have a health concern. They can also refer you to specialists when needed and help coordinate your care.
Establishing a relationship with a primary care physician can help you maintain your health and address concerns before they become more serious.
Benefits of a primary care provider
Primary care physicians serve as a hub for your health and wellness needs, coordinating your care as issues arise. Here are three benefits of having a regular PCP.
layout
vertical-left
theme
white
media-type
none
gradient
true
title
They know your medical history
heading-level
h3
heading-size
sm
rte-description
When you see the same doctor over time, they become familiar with your personal and family medical history. This helps them identify changes in your health, recognize patterns, and make more informed treatment decisions.
layout
vertical-left
theme
white
media-type
none
gradient
true
title
They coordinate your care
heading-level
h3
heading-size
sm
rte-description
If you need care from specialists, your PCP can help coordinate treatment and keep track of how different providers, medications, and recommendations fit together. This can be especially helpful for people managing chronic conditions.
layout
vertical-left
theme
white
media-type
none
gradient
true
title
They focus on your daily wellness
heading-level
h3
heading-size
sm
rte-description
PCPs focus on preventive care, including screenings, vaccinations, and wellness visits. They can also provide guidance on nutrition, exercise, and other healthy habits that support long-term health.
Choosing a primary care physician
Choosing a primary care physician is a personal decision. The right doctor for you depends on factors such as your health needs, insurance coverage, location, and personal preferences. As you compare providers, here are some things to consider:
layout
vertical-center
theme
transparent
media-type
icon
icon
lh-icon--globe
icon-size
xl
gradient
true
title
In-network vs. out-of-network
heading-level
h3
heading-size
xxs
title-alt
true
rte-description
Check whether the doctor participates in your health plan's network. In-network providers generally cost less than out-of-network providers, helping reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.
layout
vertical-center
theme
transparent
media-type
icon
icon
lh-icon--map-pin
icon-size
xl
gradient
true
title
Location
heading-level
h3
heading-size
xxs
title-alt
true
rte-description
Consider how convenient the office location is to your home, work, or daily routine. Choosing a nearby provider may make it easier to stay on schedule with annual checkups and follow-up appointments.
layout
vertical-center
theme
transparent
media-type
icon
icon
lh-icon--medicare
icon-size
xl
gradient
true
title
Health care system
heading-level
h3
heading-size
xxs
title-alt
true
rte-description
Some doctors are part of larger health care systems. Choosing a provider within a health system may make it easier to access specialists, view medical records, and coordinate care across multiple providers.
layout
vertical-center
theme
transparent
media-type
icon
icon
lh-icon--handshake
icon-size
xl
gradient
true
title
Personal characteristics
heading-level
h3
heading-size
xxs
title-alt
true
rte-description
You may prefer a doctor who speaks your preferred language, shares a similar communication style, or has experience caring for people with health concerns similar to yours. Feeling comfortable with your doctor can help you communicate openly and build trust over time.
layout
vertical-left
theme
primary-light
media-type
none
gradient
true
title
Finding in-network care
heading-level
h3
heading-size
sm
rte-description
Your health insurance's website likely has a directory of in-network doctors you can use to find a PCP. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) members can use our Find Care search to look for in-network doctors.
Building a relationship with your PCP
A strong relationship with your primary care physician can help you get the most from your care.
Open communication is an important part of that relationship. Share changes in your health, discuss any concerns, and ask questions if you do not understand a diagnosis or treatment plan.
Regular visits and honest conversations help your PCP better understand your health needs and provide care that's right for you.
rendition
photo
lh-rounded
true
lh-circular
false
lh-full-width
false
Take the confusion out of insurance
Get reliable answers to your insurance questions, such as how to get prior authorization and submitting a claim.
layout
vertical-left
theme
white
media-type
image
icon-size
xxl
gradient
true
title
Where to go for care
heading-level
h3
heading-size
xxs
cta1-variant
text
cta1-text
Read More
cta1-icon
lh-icon--caret-right
cta1-analytics-id
curated-articles-card-c68e78f988-13509711c3-Where to go for care
layout
vertical-left
theme
white
media-type
image
gradient
true
title
How to submit a claim
heading-level
h3
heading-size
xxs
cta1-variant
text
cta1-text
Read More
cta1-icon
lh-icon--caret-right
cta1-analytics-id
curated-articles-card-c68e78f988-13067659f5-How to submit a claim
layout
vertical-left
theme
white
media-type
image
gradient
true
title
In-network vs out-of-network
heading-level
h3
heading-size
xxs
cta1-variant
text
cta1-text
Read More
cta1-icon
lh-icon--caret-right
cta1-analytics-id
curated-articles-card-c68e78f988-702c9977c9-In-network vs out-of-network