8 Questions to Ask When Looking for a New Primary Care Physician
Check credentials, proximity, ease of access and more
Check credentials, proximity, ease of access and more
If you need a new primary care physician, take your time to find the right one. This decision can have a lasting impact on your health.
Your primary care doctor is your main contact for many care services — from preventive care like checkups and vaccines to treatment for chronic conditions and common illnesses. They will also refer you to specialists when advanced care is needed.
When comparing physicians, review qualifications, location and office hours. Choose someone you trust and feel is a good fit for the long term.
“Knowing what to expect from a new physician can help build a stronger relationship, which can lead to higher satisfaction on both sides,” says Brian Park, DO, a family medicine physician at Scripps Clinic Encinitas.
The following questions can help guide your search.
1. What kind of doctor do I need?
Choosing a primary care doctor is an important step in taking care of your health. Family medicine, internal medicine and pediatrics are the main types, each with own focus.
- Family medicine doctors treat all ages.
- Internal medicine doctors treat adults and often manage chronic conditions.
- Pediatricians care for children and teens up to 18.
Scripps offers a large network of primary care providers in all three areas.
2. Does the doctor accept my insurance?
Make sure the doctor accepts your health insurance. If you’re not sure, call the doctor’s office to confirm.
Choosing a doctor who takes your insurance can save you money and prevent surprise charges. Otherwise, you may need to pay out of pocket.
Most insurance websites have a search tool to check if a doctor, medical group or hospital is covered, along with a phone number for questions.
Scripps accepts many health insurance plans.
3. What are the doctor’s credentials and experience?
The minimum requirements for a physician are medical school and an internship and residency in a specialty, such as family medicine. Some complete a fellowship for advanced training or research.
“In addition to education, a physician’s certifications, professional experience and areas of interest can provide valuable insight into his or her expertise,” says Dr. Park. “If you have a specific interest, such as a lifestyle-first approach to care, consider finding a physician who shares that interest.”
Important question to ask: Is the doctor board certified?
Board certification shows a doctor has met national standards for education, knowledge, experience and skills in a specific medical specialty. Studies show board-certified doctors provide higher quality care and have better patient outcomes.
Other helpful considerations:
Teaching or lecturing: Many physicians share expertise as adjunct faculty or speakers at schools and medical conferences.
Special areas of expertise: Some may focus on women’s health, complementary therapies or preventive care.
Research participation: Involvement in studies may reflect engagement with new treatments.
4. Which accredited hospitals does the doctor use?
Make sure your physician can provide treatment at the hospital of your choice and that your insurance covers care at those facilities.
“It’s important to consider what will happen if you need surgery or care at a hospital in both inpatient and outpatient situations,” says Dr. Park. “You want to have as much confidence in the staff caring for you in the hospital as you do in your physician.”
Look for doctors affiliated with hospitals that meet quality and safety standards, such as those set by The Joint Commission.
Scripps operates four highly rated hospitals in five locations across San Diego County.
5. Is the doctor’s office convenient for you?
The doctor’s location and office hours should be convenient. Some people prefer a clinic close to their home, while others choose one near their work to save time.
Doctors at larger practices, such as Scripps Clinic and Scripps Coastal Medical Center, have multiple locations and extended hours, allowing for more flexibility.
Scripps also offers On-Demand and scheduled primary care video visits.
6. What is the doctor-patient communication style?
Your doctor’s communication style can shape how well you connect. Some doctors are more direct and may tell you exactly what to do, which may work well if you prefer them to take the lead in decision-making.
Others present a few options and give you a recommendation. It might go like this: “You can reduce the sodium in your diet or take medication for blood pressure. I would recommend the medication.”
Some explain all choices, pros and cons, and let you decide.
“The best fit depends on how involved the patient wants to be with care decisions, and how open the doctor is to the patient’s participation in those decisions,” says Dr. Park. “At the end of the day, it is your health.”
7. Can I communicate with my physician through an online patient portal?
Ask how easy it is to reach your physician between visits. Most providers offer a secure, online patient portal for communication, where you can message your doctor, request prescription refills and view test results.
At Scripps, the MyScripps patient portal offers a secure and convenient way to manage your health from home. You can also access virtual care services, including symptom checkers, e-visits and video visits to get help for non-urgent health issues.
8. What if care is needed on short notice or after office hours?
If you have a sudden illness or injury, can you get an appointment quickly? Many practices have nurse practitioners or physician assistants who can step in when your doctor isn’t available.
At systems like Scripps, you also have access to walk-in clinics, urgent care and emergency care. Knowing the difference is key:
- Scripps HealthExpress walk-in clinics: For minor issues, with same day, on-demand or video visits.
- Scripps urgent care centers: For more serious but non-life-threatening needs.
- Scripps emergency rooms: For immediate, life-saving care in emergencies.