The ABC's of PCP's

What is a PCP (Primary Care Physician)?

A Primary Care Physician, or PCP, serves as a family doctor who knows the medical history of the entire family.  Because of this knowledge, PCP’s often serve as the initial contact person for someone with an undiagnosed health condition. 

PCP’s are individuals who:

• Completed medical school (MD, MBBS, or DO)
• Received postgraduate training in family medicine, pediatrics, or internal medicine (gynecologists can be considered PCPs for the care of women)

PCPs maintain a general knowledge of how to diagnose and treat non-surgical common illnesses and medical conditions.  The main focus of a PCP is to maintain your overall health through preventive care.

How do I find a PCP?

Most insurance companies require you to list a Primary Care Physician, however often times your insurance company will assign a preferred PCP if necessary.  Here are some tips on how to find the right PCP for you:

• Your insurance company.  Your health insurance company may have listings of doctors in their network who are accepting new patients.
• Personal referrals.  People often ask their friends, families, and co-workers for referrals to PCP’s.  If someone you trust has a positive experience with a doctor, it’s likely you too will like that physician.
• Current Physicians.  If you’re moving to a new area, you could ask your current PCP to help you find a new one in your new neighborhood.
• Hospitals.  It is common for hospitals to offer a referral service that will introduce you to staff doctors who meet certain criteria you may be seeking (i.e. specialty, gender, experience, or location)

Why should I choose a PCP?

PCP’s see their patients regularly; looking for symptoms you may not notice.  Annual exams help your PCP educate you on healthy lifestyle habits that will reduce the risk of serious health conditions that may require specialized care.  PCP’s catch early warning signs that may require further investigation.  Developing a relationship with a primary care physician can keep illnesses at bay.