My plan is a health-maintenance organization (HMO). How do I select a primary-care provider (PCP)?
If you have a doctor now, and you are satisfied with the level of care, call your plan to find out if he or she can be your PCP. If you don’t have a doctor or aren’t satisfied with your care, ask for a list of participating doctors from your insurance company. Tell friends, co-workers, and neighbors you’re looking for a new doctor, and ask for recommendations. Contact the state medical society and hospitals for lists of physicians accepting new patients in your area. Find out if any of these doctors participate with your insurance company. Find out which doctors are convenient to where you live and work. Call the physician’s office to verify that the physician will accept you as a patient. Talk to the receptionist about office policies. Find out office hours, how emergencies are handled, how long it will take to schedule an appointment, and which hospitals the doctor uses.
