Choosing a Provider
When you are choosing a medical provider for yourself or your family, there are
many things you should consider. And you want to gather as much information as
you can so that you make the right decision. For help in your search, you can
call Nurse Direct at 607-763-5555 or 1-800-295-8088.
At NurseDirect, you talk directly with a nurse who will take the time to listen
to your needs and help you select the right physician or other provider for your
circumstances.
Why do I need a primary care provider? A primary care provider can help you get healthy and stay that way through
regular check-ups and consultations. By building a relationship with the
provider, you can rely on them to know your health history and to care for your
individual needs. When necessary, the primary care provider may refer you to a
specialist, such as a cardiologist or allergist.
Who provides primary care? A primary care provider can be a family practice physician or an internal
medicine physician. Physician assistants and family nurse practitioners also
provide primary care. Obstetricians/gynecologists (OB/GYN) and pediatricians
also can be designated as primary-care providers. Be sure to consult your
health-insurance plan to learn what types of providers are covered by the plan.
What type of provider would best suit my needs? If you want one provider who can treat your whole family, you may want to
choose a family practice physician, or a physician assistant or family nurse
practitioner who specializes in family care. If you have a chronic condition,
such as high blood pressure or diabetes, you might want to choose an internal
medicine physician who treats only adults. Some women rely on an
Obstetrician/Gynecologist (OB/GYN) as their primary care provider. Many families
count on a pediatrician who specializes in children’s health as the primary care
provider for their children and adolescents.
What other things should I consider? Once you compile a list of two or three providers who fit your needs, think
about these important issues:
Location: Find out where the provider's office is located. Check to see
if the building is easily accessible with ample parking.
Appointments: Be sure that the provider is accepting new patients and ask
how soon you can get an appointment. You can also inquire about the office
policy on same-day appointments. Find out if the regular office hours are
convenient for your schedule.
Insurance: If you are a member of an insurance network, check to see if
the provider is covered in your plan.
Communication: It’s important to build a trusting relationship with your
provider. You should feel comfortable talking with the provider and asking
questions.
What's the easiest way to
find a physician? Click on one of the links below or
call NurseDirect at
(607)763.5555 of 1-800-295-8088.
