How to find a doctor

• ✺Having an in-network doctor avoids unexpected, much higher out-of-network charges.
• ✺A good primary care relationship helps catch health issues early and makes managing chronic conditions easier.
• ✺Choosing based on real needs (location, hours, specialty) makes it more likely you'll actually go to appointments.

1. 1Log into your insurance company's website or app and find the provider directory.
2. 2Filter by specialty (such as primary care, dermatology, or pediatrics) and your location.
3. 3Narrow by whether the doctor is accepting new patients and other preferences like language.
4. 4Call the office directly to confirm they accept your specific insurance plan and are taking new patients.
5. 5Ask about appointment availability and schedule your first visit.

Provider directory

A searchable list, usually from your insurer, of doctors and facilities in your plan's network.

Primary care provider (PCP)

A doctor who provides general, ongoing health care and often coordinates referrals to specialists.

Sliding-scale fee

A payment structure where cost is based on your income, often used by community health centers.

Accepting new patients

A status indicating whether a doctor's practice currently has room to take on new patients.

• ✗Assuming a doctor is in-network just because the hospital system is, without checking directly.
• ✗Not confirming current insurance acceptance before the first visit, since directories can be outdated.
• ✗Choosing a doctor far from home or work, making it hard to keep appointments.
• ✗Not asking about wait times for a first available appointment.

• !Provider directories can contain outdated information, so always confirm network status and new-patient status by phone.
• !Some plans require choosing a primary care provider and may need a referral to see specialists.
• !Community health centers funded by HRSA offer services regardless of ability to pay, using a sliding fee scale.
• !Telehealth (virtual) visits are an option with many providers and can be a faster way to see a doctor for non-emergency needs.

• Use your insurer's provider directory to find in-network doctors near you.
• Filter by specialty, location, and new-patient status, then confirm by phone.
• Community health centers offer sliding-scale care if cost or insurance is a barrier.
• Recommendations and reviews can help narrow your choice but should be confirmed independently.

Totally optional. Nobody's grading you.

1. 1.Log into your insurance portal and search the provider directory for a primary care doctor near you.
2. 2.Call to confirm coverage and new-patient availability before booking.

Related lessons:

• How to make a medical appointment
• Primary care versus specialists
• What referrals are

• Find a health center
  Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA)(opens in a new tab)
• Choosing a doctor
  HealthCare.gov(opens in a new tab)