Tips on Choosing a PCP

Your primary care provider (PCP) is your most important partner in health. They know your medical history, your medicines and which treatments have worked for you. That is why it is important that you have a PCP you like and trust.

No matter how long you’ve been an HPSM member, you can choose a new PCP. You can have the same PCP for all your family members or a different PCP for each person (e.g., children). Here are some tips to help you choose the PCP who is right for you.

Find a doctor who is qualified to address your health needs

PCPs specialize in different types of medicine. Some common specialties for PCPs are:

• Family practitioner: A doctor who treats people of all ages 
• Pediatrician: A doctor who treats children (from newborns to adolescents) 
• Internist: A doctor specializing in internal medicine who helps adults prevent and manage a variety of medical issues 
• Obstetrician/gynecologist (OBGYN): A doctor who focuses on women's reproductive health

You can also choose a nurse practitioner (NP) or physician assistant (PA) as your PCP by choosing the primary care facility where he or she works as your PCP. NAs and PAs are practitioners who consult with physicians and treat patients in the primary PCP specialties.

Find a doctor whose office is near your home or work

If a provider’s office is located near a public transit stop, a bus icon will appear at the bottom of their listing. You may also want to check that the provider’s office hours work for your schedule. (For example, if you prefer the option of evening or weekend appointments.)

Find a doctor who speaks your preferred language

All providers in the HPSM network speak English, but some speak other languages as well. The additional languages providers speak are indicated in the provider directory.

Find a doctor who meets your personal needs

If you require special services (such as family planning) you can choose a PCP who can provide them. You may also have personal preferences regarding a doctor’s gender, age or education. If you use a wheelchair, call the provider’s office to ask if their building is wheelchair-accessible.

Visit the doctor

Once you find a doctor who meets your needs, call their office to schedule a visit. Then you can meet them in person and discuss your health concerns.

Once you have chosen your PCP, let HPSM know by filling out the Primary Care Physician Change Form and mailing or faxing it to HPSM.

Search for a provider

Use the online provider search form to find the latest information for in-network primary care providers (PCP), specialists, pharmacies, clinics or hospitals. This directory is updated weekly.  You may need a referral from your PCP before making an appointment with a specialist for non-emergency care. Call your PCP to find out if a referral is required.