Updated August 2020
Perhaps you can relate to the struggle of identifying a primary care provider to establish care with. The process of searching for doctors online, then looking for reviews on each doctor, and finally calling to see if you can get an appointment scheduled can be overwhelming. Beyond the research process, you’ll find there are so many options for primary care, including family medicine, internal medicine, gynecology and more – making the process even more complicated.
It’s very important to choose the right doctor who can help you stay healthy. We’re here to help you navigate this process by answering some of your frequently asked questions.
How Do I Know That a Primary Care Provider is Qualified?
The American Board of Medical Specialties assesses the knowledge, skills, and judgment of healthcare professionals to grant board certification to providers who meet and remain current with board requirements. Providers who are board certified show they have specialized knowledge and clinical judgment to provide safe, quality patient care.
Choosing a provider with these certifications can give you confidence that you are receiving quality care. Feel free to ask a provider what board certifications they hold; you can usually find this information on their website, too.
Which Type of Primary Care Provider Should I See?
One thing that can get confusing is deciding whether you should choose to see a provider labeled family medicine, pediatrician, internist (internal medicine provider), etc. Some women even see their gynecologist more regularly, essentially using them as their PCP. While all of them are capable of providing primary care, it’s helpful to know their specific focus so that you can make the best decision for your personal healthcare needs.
We’ve described each type of primary care provider below to help you navigate this part of establishing care.
- Delivers a range of acute, chronic, and preventive medical care services to people of all ages and communities
- Diagnoses and treats illnesses
- Provides preventive care such as routine health checkups, immunizations, and screenings
- Manages chronic illness
- Coordinates care with other specialties as needed
Note: Choosing a family doctor can be great if you want all members of your family to be seen at the same location.
Provides long-term, comprehensive care in the office and hospital for adolescents, adults, and the elderly
- Manages common and complex illnesses
- Trained in disease prevention, wellness, substance abuse, and mental health
- Treats common problems of the eyes, ears, skin, nervous system, and reproductive organs
- Diagnoses and treats cancer, infections, and diseases affecting the heart, blood, kidneys, joints, and the digestive, respiratory, and vascular systems
Note: An internist could be the ideal primary care provider for you if you are living with a chronic illness such as diabetes, kidney disease, adult congenital heart disease, and more.
- Focuses on the physical, emotional, and social health of children from birth to young adulthood
- Provides health services ranging from preventive care to diagnosing and treating acute and chronic diseases
Gynecologist: Gynecologist, Obstetrics and Gynecology Nurse Practitioner (OGNP), Physician Assistant in Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Focuses on women’s health before, during, and after childbearing years
- Diagnoses and treats conditions of the reproductive system and associated disorders
Note: If you don’t have any major medical problems, you might consider your gynecologist your primary physician. Their guidance first and foremost will be regarding women’s health and issues related to the reproductive organs but most also offer services related to general health, like cholesterol screenings.
Why is Staying In-Network so Important?
At Arizona Care Network, the doctors in our network are all committed to meeting specific quality standards to ensure we provide better outcomes and work together to reduce costs for patients. ACN providers coordinate care according to your individual medical needs and treatment choices, while reducing duplicate tests and paperwork to save you time and money. If you are a member of Arizona Care Network, select in-network providers and facilities to ensure you are receiving the most coordinated care possible.
How Do I Stay In-Network?
At ACN, you can find all in-network doctors on our website using our Find a Doc tool to search for providers and facilities in your area.
If you are not part of Arizona Care Network, your health insurance provider should provide information on how to look up doctors in your network. You will want to look up different primary care providers in your area and do some research to find the right doctor for you.
Keep Yourself Healthy Longer
In the end, choosing which type of doctor you’d like to establish primary care with is a personal decision. The most important piece of advice we can give you is to make sure you stay up to date on your annual checkups with any doctor, as preventive screenings are key to keeping you healthy for years to come.
Still Need Help?
We’ve got you covered. If you are a member of Arizona Care Network, you can contact our concierge 24/7 by calling 602.406.7226 or emailing members@azcarenetwork.org. Our team can answer any questions you may have about finding a primary care provider and we can even set up an appointment for you.
