Choosing a doctor
Choosing the right doctor for your needs is a great step to take toward helping maintain your health. With so many options available, it may be overwhelming to know where to begin. Whether you're looking for a primary care provider (PCP) or a specialist, you’ll want to look for a provider who understands your needs, communicates effectively and provides high-quality care.
Before scheduling any appointment, check to see if the PCP is in your plan’s network. Choosing a network provider is one way to help manage costs. Most plans charge more if you see a PCP outside the network — and some won’t cover out-of-network care at all. If you’re not sure if a PCP is in your network, view UnitedHealthcare network providers in your member account or browse a provider list.
Why do you need a primary care provider?
Some health plans require you to choose a PCP. While other plans do not require you to choose a PCP, it may be a good idea to have one. Watch a video to learn more about the benefits of having a PCP.
A PCP can help guide you through your care. As they get to know you, they can build an in-depth knowledge of your health over time. They may watch for small changes in your health to help spot warning signs of potential health concerns earlier. Start your search by finding a provider in your network.
Consider virtual visits
Virtual visits, also known as telehealth, are one way you can connect with a health care provider using your computer, tablet or smartphone. Virtual visits may be covered by your health plan just like an office visit with a doctor.
Depending on your benefit coverage, you may be able to schedule a virtual visit with a local provider or have a virtual visit for primary care, therapy, specialty care or 24/7 with a national provider for urgent care or when your provider is not available.
Types of PCPs
Providers can receive board certification in a range of specialties. Board certification is a sign of going above and beyond the state licensing requirements and receiving supervised in-practice training. To find a board-certified family doctor, visit the American Board of Family Medicine online directory. To check if a physician you may be considering is board certified, visit the American Board of Medical Specialties’ Certification Matters database.
Each member of the family may require a different type of PCP, such as:1
| Provider | Services |
|---|---|
| Family medicine doctor | Provides preventive and whole-person care for patients of all ages |
| Pediatrician | Works in collaboration with parents and other health care providers to serve patients from newborn to 18 years old |
| Internal medicine/internist | Treats adult patients aged 18+ and may specialize in cardiology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, infectious disease, hematology, oncology, pulmonary disease, rheumatology and immunology |
| Geriatrician | Focuses on common medical conditions and concerns associated with aging in older adults aged 60+ conditions that affect the organs of the body |
Looking for other types of providers?
Choosing a PCP is an important step in helping manage your overall health and well-being. Addressing concerns related to mental health, eye health and oral health are also part of helping maintain a healthy body and mind. Whatever the reason for finding a new provider, the initial search may feel intimidating. Below, you can find some tips to help simplify the process.
Mental/behavioral health providers
There are many different types of providers who can help support your mental health. Some people benefit from seeing a combination of mental health professionals including social workers, counselors/therapists, psychiatrists or psychologists.
Vision care providers
It's important to visit the eye doctor, even if you don’t wear glasses or contacts, to help maintain your eye health. The UnitedHealthcare Vision network includes 2 types of eye care providers: optometrists and ophthalmologists.
Dentists
Routine dental care is important to your overall health. Your plan may include coverage for preventive and comprehensive dental services like cleanings, fluoride, fillings, crowns, root canals, extractions and dentures.
How to choose your doctor
As with every service in our lives, it’s important to do some research. Here are some questions to ask yourself to help you choose a doctor:
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Have my friends or family, medical specialists or other health professional recommended them?
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Why do people like this particular doctor?
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Does gender matter? Does age?
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Do I want a clinic close to home or close to work?
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How far am I willing to drive?
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Is the tone of their website more formal or more casual
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How are their consumer reviews? (Although, reviews are just opinions. Unless a doctor receives a number of reviews, one or two may not paint the whole picture.)
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Do they have a social media presence?
Questions to consider when choosing a PCP
When reviewing potential candidates for a new PCP, carefully review all your options. Check to see if the PCP is in your plan’s network. Consider the following questions before making your final selection:
UnitedHealth Premium® may help members make better choices for their medical care. These providers meet national standards for safe, timely and effective quality care. They also meet your area’s local benchmarks for efficient, quality care. Together, these factors can help support your health care decision-making process and may improve your health care experience.
To find a Premium Care Physician, sign in to your member account or search as a guest to see a list of network providers and look for the providers with blue hearts.
Everyone has different health needs, and these needs change as we get older. Ask your doctor about their special areas of care. For example, if you have a chronic condition like diabetes, you may want to look for a provider who specializes in diabetes care.
Maybe you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community looking to start a family. Or, you want to explore or continue gender-affirming care. Having an experienced provider who understands the type of care you need can help you feel safe, supported and seen.
To find LGBTQ+ friendly providers, sign in to your member account. Search or browse using the Care categories. Select View all. Then filter by Area of expertise and select LGBTQ Supportive. You can also learn about LGBTQ+ resources available to UnitedHealthcare members.
Once you narrow down possible options, call the clinic and ask questions. First impressions matter. Pay attention to the office staff (are they helpful and friendly?) as well as how your questions are answered. Some common questions include:2,3
- Is the doctor taking new patients?
- How long does it take to get an appointment?
- If your doctor isn’t available, who will you see?
- Which hospital are they affiliated with?
- Does the doctor have special training?
- Do they offer any weekend or evening appointments?
- Can you message the doctor outside of clinic hours?
- Can you get lab work or X-rays done in the office?
- Is the doctor board-certified?
It may be hard to tell if a provider is a good fit until you meet them. You’ll be sharing personal health information — make sure you feel comfortable. After meeting, ask yourself:
- Did they give you a chance to ask questions?
- Did they let you openly voice your concerns?
- Did you feel rushed?
- Did you feel safe and respected?
- Did it feel like it could become a true partnership?
Your PCP may save you money — with fewer emergency room visits, for example — and can connect you with specialists. They can advocate on your behalf. Once you establish a relationship, they’re also more likely to recommend preventive screenings, checkups and tests.4