Tips for Finding the Right Doctor for You

The Pulse

October 2023

Do you have a primary care provider (PCP)? If so, what's their name? How often do you see them? Do they know your overall health situation? If not, then it sounds like you may need to choose a PCP. And we can help!

Finding the right PCP is a crucial first step in using your health plan coverage. Your PCP is who you visit for most medical needs, like wellness visits and non-emergency illnesses. You want to choose a doctor you're comfortable having honest conversations with and who meets your health needs.

5 tips for choosing the right PCP

1. Make sure they're in network to avoid paying out-of-pocket costs.2. Find a doctor with the expertise to meet your specific health care needs.

3. Ask a family member, friend or coworker who their doctor is and if they would recommend them.

4. Consider logistics and check to see if they're near your home or office and their office hours.

5. Visit the doctor and make sure you feel comfortable in their office.

Questions to ask your PCP

When you go for your annual wellness exams, you want to make sure you're prepared. A good way to do that is to make a list of questions ahead of time so you get the answers you need. Some questions you may ask your PCP include:

Am I at a healthy weight? Has my weight changed a lot since my last wellness exam?
Are my feelings of sadness, anxiety or stress normal?
Are the supplements I'm taking worthwhile?
What should I be eating?
What's the best exercise plan for me?
How can I reduce or stop some of my medications?
What changes should I make in my lifestyle based on my age and habits?
Something doesn't feel right – can I ask you about it?
What should I work on before my next visit?
What's the best way to communicate with you if I have questions? Do you text or use email? Are you the one answering these messages?

Things to Consider with a PCP

Not only does having a PCP improve your health, but it also lowers your out-of-pocket costs just by keeping up with routine exams, screenings and immunizations.

Keep in mind these 6 things about a PCP

See your PCP regularly. Studies show people who see a PCP are healthier and save money on their health care costs.
Go to your PCP first for routine health issues. You can often schedule a same‑day in‑person or virtual appointment with your PCP for non-emergency medical issues like colds, flu, rashes or ear infections.
Talk openly to your PCP about your health. Let them know how you feel and if anything is going on that you want them to know.
Partner with your PCP. A PCP is a dependable partner who can handle your routine medical care to identify early signs of health issues and chronic conditions.
Collaborate with your PCP on a care plan. A PCP can help manage chronic conditions, such as asthma or diabetes, and develop a care plan.
Get referrals to trusted specialists. A PCP can provide referrals to specialists when necessary.

Remember: Annual wellness exams are 100% covered by your health plan!

Health Plan Requirements

TRS-ActiveCare Primary and TRS-ActiveCare Primary+ plans require a PCP and for the PCP to make referrals to a specialist. You can change your PCP anytime through Blue Access for Members^SM or by calling a Personal Health Guide (PHG) at 1-866-355-5999, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

All other participants are strongly encouraged to have a PCP.

Resources

ProviderFinder®

You can find an in-network doctor by location, specialties and more with Provider Finder® by clicking on your plan below.

For TRS-ActiveCare participants, you can learn more about the value of having a PCP. You can also check out more information about specialist referrals.