Primary care providers: A guide to choosing the right doctor for you

Read Time

7 Minutes

Written by

Team Curative

Published

Feb 12, 2025

One of the most important choices when using an affordable healthcare insurance plan is selecting a primary care provider (PCP). Looking for the right PCP is not just another item to cross off your to-do list. You’re establishing a meaningful relationship that benefits you and your family: better care and peace of mind. The right affordable health insurance plans help make that search easy.

Doctor talking while explaining medical treatment with digital tablet to patient.

There are many reasons you may be searching for a new PCP::

Your previous PCP moved.
You moved.
Your previous PCP retired.
Your current PCP doesn't accept your new insurance plan.
Your health needs changed.
You want a new perspective on your health.
You never had a regular PCP.

No matter your reason, choosing a new primary care provider is essential to your health journey. But it doesn’t mean it has to be complicated or scary. Here are some insights to help you find the right PCP fit.

What is primary care?

Primary care is when you need medical attention from a trusted professional that isn’t considered an emergency. The people you go to in this situation are your primary care providers. These are the people who help you monitor and manage your day-to-day health.

PCPs can help you:

Determine the state of your current health.
Address your daily health challenges related to known issues.
Help you connect the dots regarding your medical history.
Guide you to do the same for your family.
Advise you as you make health-conscious changes to your lifestyle.
Recommend preventative strategies such as vaccine schedules, screening, etc.
Refer you to specialists when necessary.

Your PCP will help you stay aware of your health status, address issues as they arise, and make treatment decisions according to your needs and preferences. You and your PCP share the same goals: your health and quality of life.

A conversation between a healthcare professional and a patient during appointment

What can you expect at a primary care appointment?

Everyone should see their PCP for a physical exam at least once per year. What’s involved? What should you expect on your first visit to a new PCP? Physical exams typically include:

Health history overview. Your PCP will ask about your and your family’s medical history and lifestyle questions around your dietary habits, sleep schedule, drug and alcohol intake, sexual activity, moods, and how you feel in general.
Height and weight measurement. Your Body Mass Insight (BMI), calculated by your height and weight, can help you and your PCP better understand your health and find ways to improve it.
Blood pressure check. The standard number they look for is 120/80. Your doctor may prescribe tests if your reading falls outside of that.
A complete physical exam. Your PCP will check that everything is working as it should, from your ears, nose, and throat to heart sounds, breathing patterns, skin conditions, abdominal checks, etc.
Laboratory tests. Your PCP may take blood, urine, or stool samples and send them to a lab to seek further information an exam didn’t reveal.
Screenings. Like lab tests, screenings for known signs of illness can depend on age, gender, and health history. Screenings allow you to ask your PCP any relevant questions.

Preparing for a primary care visit: a checklist

Preparing for a medical visit to your new PCP will make things easier for everyone – including you. The to-do list is short, and your responsibilities are straightforward.

Be at your appointment at least 15 minutes early to give you enough time to complete the paperwork.
Bring supporting documents to help you complete your paperwork and inform your discussions, including insurance information, medical records, names of specialists you’re seeing, and other relevant information.
Prepare questions about tests and screenings that may be available, vaccination information, referrals to specialists, and other health-related questions.
If needed, bring a friend or close family member to take notes and ask questions.
If you need one, arrange for an interpreter by calling the provider’s office beforehand.

What are the benefits of establishing care with a primary care provider?

With a primary care provider, you have someone in your corner to promote better health outcomes. This is why affordable health insurance plans make primary care a priority.

Here are some other benefits that seeking out a new PCP will give you:

You save money. Research shows that people who visit their PCP regularly instead of visiting specialists as issues come up save up to 33% in related costs. Affordable Health insurance plans encourage you to see a PCP partly because it makes good financial sense.
You catch signs of illness much earlier. This way, you can deal with health-related issues more efficiently and with better chances for a good outcome.
You receive more personalized care. It’s not just a health strategy. It’s a relationship. If you see a PCP regularly, they know your history, specific challenges, and treatment preferences.
You get better access to healthcare in general. When you need a referral, your PCP probably has the connections you need.

Happy boy giving high five to his pediatrician after medical examination at doctor's office

Curative: affordable health insurance plans for primary care to support your health journey

Seeking a PCP that is right for you is one of the most important things you can do for your health. This is true whether you’re looking for a new one or seeking out your first primary care provider.

Curative takes the guesswork out of this process with our easy-to-use provider search. The provider search enables members to review our extensive provider network to find a local doctor and get the care that best suits you and your family. If you live in Texas, you also have access to Curative primary care, which helps you connect with Curative with knowledgeable clinicians who understand your health plan inside and out.

The Curative PPO Max plan allows people to see a provider out of network, though balance billing is possible. If you’re on the PPO Max plan and you prefer to receive care from a PCP outside of the Curative provider search, you can

About Curative

Curative is a health plan employees love for its affordability, engagement, and simplicity. With $0 copays and deductibles, members can get the care they need when they need it without the financial burden. Imagine — a health plan that delivers better health without hurting your wallet.

*Every Curative member can continue to qualify for the $0 deductible or copay for covered services from providers listed on Provider Search and preferred prescriptions by completing a Baseline Visit in the first 120 days of the plan’s effective date.

*Members in Texas and Florida can access virtual therapy through Televaro, and all members outside of Texas can access virtual therapy through Teledoc.

*Healthcare is provided through the Teladoc network of medical providers or NormanMD for members in Texas. Treatment options and eligibility determinations made by independent licensed medical providers.

To see all disclaimers, please view here.

Learn more about affordable health insurance plans with Curative at https://curative.com/for-members.