According to 2014 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only 52 percent of physician office visits were to see a primary care provider (PCP) in the United States. Si bien muchos PCP son médicos, algunos son enfermeros especializados (enfermeros que pueden brindar una gran variedad de servicios de atención médica y recetar medicamentos).

Choosing a PCP can sometimes feel like a complicated experience, especially if you have recently moved or changed insurance plans. However, choosing a PCP is an extremely important decision. If you have complicated medical needs, your PCP will lead the team of healthcare professionals caring for you—which may include specialists, nurses, nutritionists, social workers and behavioral health clinicians—and be your main point of contact.

If you’re not sure where to begin when choosing a PCP, ask yourself these three questions:

Where should I start?
Take the time to research online about good PCPs while also consulting with family, friends, and neighbors. Your new or existing insurance plan can also recommend a PCP. Many insurance plans offer a list of in-network doctors and hospitals or an online tool to search by plan and location such as Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island’s (BCBSRI) “Find a Doctor" tool.

What are my options?
When you’re choosing a PCP, it’s important to note that healthcare professionals specialize in different types of medicine such as:
• Family Medicine or General Practice – Treating patients of all genders and ages, from newborns to the elderly.
• Internal Medicine – Typically treating adults and specializing in the prevention, diagnosis and management of disease and chronic conditions.
• Pediatrics – A primary care provider for your child.
Based on these options, you can easily narrow down the type of provider who will meet your health needs and provide you with the best care.

I’ve chosen my specialization, but what else should I take into consideration?
For some people, location and hours of operation of a PCP are important key factors. Tools like BCBSRI’s Find a Doctorcan help you find a PCP whose office location is convenient for you. If you have work commitments that make it difficult to take time off for appointments, you can ask the PCP’s office about after-hours availability.

You may also want to consider looking for a PCP in a patient-centered medical home (PCMH). Many of Rhode Island’s largest groups of PCPs are now PCMHs, which offer an entire healthcare team all under one roof.

And, when you have selected your new PCP and are going to your first appointment, remember to bring your medical history, such as records of prior immunizations, past health screenings, family medical history, and a list of current medication or supplements you may be taking.

A PCP is your main partner in the overall management of your health and wellness, so it’s critical to select someone who you are comfortable with and trust. For additional information on selecting a PCP and getting the most out of your medical visits, visit: http://www.rhodeahead.com/learn/importance-primary-care-provider and http://www.rhodeahead.com/learn/get-most-your-doctors-visit.

Matt Collins, M.D., is vice president of clinical integration at Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island.