In this article, we’ll be referring to your main doctor as your Primary Care Provider (PCP). A PCP is the healthcare professional you go to for regular checkups, common illnesses, questions about your health, and guidance on where to go for more specialized care. They’re your first stop for most medical needs and the person who helps you navigate the rest of the healthcare system.
What is a PCP?
A primary care provider (PCP) is your go-to doctor for check-ups, prescriptions, vaccines, mental health support and referrals.
- Helps catch health issues early
- Makes care cheaper by avoiding the ER
- Someone knows you and your health history, not just your current symptoms
How to Find a PCP in Your Area
- Check Your Insurance Card - Look for the name of your insurance (Carefirst, Priority Partners, United Healthcare, etc) to search for in-network providers.
- Use Your Insurance Website or App -
- You can search by zipcode or the name of your city
- Search for type of provider you want (Primary Care, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine)
- Filter for demographics if desired (gender, language, race, etc)
- You can search by zipcode or the name of your city
- What if I am ineligible for insurance?
- Community Health Centers (Total Health Care, Baltimore Medical System, Chase Brexton, etc) can usually support and they may offer sliding scale fees.
What to Look for in a PCP
- Are they close to where you live?
- Do they accept new patients/your insurance?
- Can you make appointments online? Do they offer MyChart or an online portal for tracking your appointments and health information?
- Do they speak your language/reflect your values?
If this information can not easily be found online, these are questions you can ask when you call to inquire about an appointment.
Things to Confirm When You Call or Make an Appointment:
- Confirm they are in your network/accept your insurance
- If there is a co-pay (meaning a certain amount of money you hae to pay) for annual visits.
- What items you need to bring to your first appointment (insurance card, ID, etc)
Next Steps Information:
- Find your insurance information
- Call the number on the back of the card of find their provider search tool online
- Once you have identified the provider you want call to book your appointment
- Sign up for the online portal to keep track of your appointments and health information
- Instructions to sign up can often be found in the After-Care summaries given to you after your appointment.
Need Help Signing Up for Insurance?
If you need help signing up for insurance the Maryland Health Connection can help!
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