How to Chose a New Adult PCP for Teens

Choosing an adult Primary Care Provider (PCP)

 When do I need an adult Primary Care Provider?   
Most adolescents will transition to an adult PCP somewhere between ages 18 and 21.
How do I find the names of health care providers?

• Ask your parents, friends, and relatives for the names of health care providers that they go to and like.  
•  Most hospitals have a “Doctor Finder” link on their website. Our local hospital’s website https://www.mortonhospital.org/ has an easy-to-use link.
• Call your insurance company. They will be able to give you with a list of providers they cover.

Is there a way I can check on how qualified a provider is?

• The Massachusetts Board of Medicine website allows you to search for a physician’s profile. www.mass.gov/check-a-physician-profile.

How do I decide on one PCP?
Once you’ve made a list of providers, you might want to try calling their offices and asking a few questions. The way that the staff answers your questions can say a lot about the provider. Things to consider are:

• Do you want a male or a female PCP or do you not care?

• Is the provider covered by your health plan and if they are taking new patients?  
• Which hospitals does the provider work with?
• What are the office hours and how long does it usually take to get an appointment with the provider?
• What do I do if I have an emergency or if I need medical help after-hours?
• For young women, it is important to ask if the office can provide routine gynecology care, such as managing contraception etc. Some PCPs do provide routine gynecological care, and some do not.   In that case, young women will need to find a gynecologist. Ask about this when you are choosing a new PCP.

 Once you have chosen a PCP you need to do the following:

• Fill out a Release of Information form at our office. Once this is filled out, we will mail or fax your health records to your new PCP. We will do this without charge once. There will be a charge for subsequent copies of your records.
• Call your insurance company and tell them that you have a new PCP.
• Make an appointment with your new PCP!

Do I need to bring anything to my first check-up?

• Make sure your new PCP has received your records.
• Bring your health insurance ID card.
• Bring any medicines you are taking, or a list of them.

 
What if I don’t like my PCP?
If you don’t like or feel comfortable with your new provider, switch to a different PCP! Your provider should be patient, trustworthy, and show you respect.