How to Choose the Right Primary Care Provider

A Primary Care Provider is your go-to healthcare provider outside of emergencies, and walks with you on your healthcare journey as it changes over the years. They provide preventive care, diagnose and treat common conditions, provide health education, make referrals, and more (MedlinePlus)! Needless to say, choosing the right primary care provider is of critical importance! Keep reading for tips on choosing the right primary care provider. 

Starting the Search

When searching for a provider, a good place to start may be checking with your insurance company. You want to find a provider that accepts your insurance or a practice that administers care despite insurance status like Compass Community Health! Getting recommendations from friends and family is another great way to find a provider because they’ll be able to provide you with their first-hand experience with the office and provider (Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion). In addition to friends and family, you could also get a good referral from your local dentist, chiropractor, or other healthcare professional (MedlinePlus).

Questions to Ask Before a First Appointment

There are many good questions to consider when searching for your primary care provider. Before calling for a first appointment, ask yourself:

• Is the provider accepting new patients? 

• Is the office local and is it convenient/realistic for me to get there?

• If not, do they offer telemedicine?

• Do the office hours work with my schedule? (ODPHP)

After making the first appointment, consider your medical history, what medications you take, and what health needs you have so that you can communicate these things during the appointment!

Questions to Ask After the First Appointment

There are also many good questions to consider during and after the first appointment with a provider. Among them are:

• Did the provider make me feel comfortable, listened to, and respected?

• Was the office staff kind and easy to communicate with?

• Did the provider give me his/her full attention and explain things in a way I understood?

• Did the provider give me a chance to ask questions? (ODPHP)

At Compass Community Health, compassionate care is who we are. We are committed to the principle that quality health care is a right, not a privilege. Primary care matters, and our team of Primary Care Providers is here for YOU! Your health is too important to let it wait- reach out today by calling (740) 355-7102!

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-Email: info@compasscommunityhealth.org,

-Message us on Facebook @ Compass Community Health

-Call: 740-355-7102

-Address: 1634 11th St, Portsmouth, OH 45662