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👩‍⚕️ Client Education Series: Five Smart Tips for Choosing the Right Primary Care Provider

board certified physician choosing a doctor client education series doctor eno advocates health insurance navigating healthcare primary care primary care provider Apr 05, 2024

As a health advocate—and a woman who has walked the breast cancer journey—I know firsthand how overwhelming it can be to find the right primary care provider (PCP), especially when you're over 50 or navigating a complex diagnosis.

When I was about to start treatment, I realized I needed a physician of record, not just for check-ups, but for continuity and preventive care.

Whether you're newly diagnosed, managing a chronic condition, or simply stepping into this next season of life with intention, here are five practical tips to help you choose a provider who’s the right fit for your life and your health.

💡 Tip #1: Check for Board Certification

Board certification isn't just a fancy credential—it’s a signal that your doctor is committed to keeping up with current medical knowledge and best practices.

➡️ Why it matters: Physicians certified by an ABMS-recognized board must recertify every 8–10 years. This ensures they’re staying up-to-date in their specialty.

🕵️‍♀️ Health Advocate Tip: Don’t be shy—you can look this up yourself. Visit certificationmatters.org to confirm your provider’s board status before your first appointment.

💡 Tip #2: Make Sure Office Hours Work for You

It may sound simple, but it’s a significant matter. If your job hours are 8–5 and your doctor’s office is open only 8–5, you’ll constantly be scrambling.

📞 What to ask:

Do they offer evening or weekend appointments?
Can you book online or use a portal for follow-up questions?

🗓️ Health Advocate Tip: Aligning office hours with your life can save you time, stress, and unnecessary sick days.

💡 Tip #3: Ask How Calls and Messages Are Handled

One of the most common complaints I hear as a health advocate is this:
"My doctor never gets back to me!"

📬 Set expectations early:

Ask how long it takes to return calls or portal messages.
Is there a triage nurse? Do they respond within 24 hours?
For non-urgent questions, what is the typical response time?

🗣️ Health Advocate Tip: It’s okay to ask these questions at your first visit. Clear communication ultimately reduces frustration.

💡 Tip #4: Know How You’ll Get Test Results

Thanks to patient portals, many of us now get our test results quickly, but seeing numbers doesn’t mean understanding them.

🧪 Ask your provider:

Will you call me if something is abnormal?
Should I schedule a follow-up to review the lab results or imaging?

📲 Health Advocate Tip: "No news is good news" does not apply to your health. Always expect some form of follow-up, even if the test results are normal.

💡 Tip #5: Confirm Your Provider Is Really In-Network

This one is tricky—and costly if you get it wrong.

🧾 Real talk: I once checked my provider’s in-network status using my insurance portal, only to get a surprise bill for $670. Turns out the information was outdated. 😖

☎️ What to do instead:

Call the doctor’s billing office directly.
Get the provider's tax ID or NPI and verify with your insurance carrier.
Ask for confirmation in writing if you’re unsure.

❗Health Advocate Tip: Insurance databases are not always current. Please don’t rely solely on them.

💬 Final Thoughts

Choosing the right primary care provider is more than checking a box—it's about finding a partner in your health journey. The right provider helps you prevent problems, navigate care confidently, and get answers when you need them most.

🎯 Still feeling unsure? That’s where I come in.
As an independent health advocate, I am not beholden to any insurance company. I work exclusively for your best interest, helping you make informed decisions and avoid costly, time-consuming mistakes.

👉 Need help choosing the right provider or preparing for your first visit?

Schedule a free 30-minute call, and let’s determine if we're a good fit to work together. You don’t have to figure it out alone.

(This Blog article was updated on July 21, 2025)

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