Body · Finding a doctor

Finding a primary care doctor

A primary care provider (PCP) handles checkups, common illnesses and referrals, and helps you decide where to go when something's wrong. Find one in your plan's online provider directory, call to confirm they take your plan and new patients, and book a checkup while you're healthy. In network, most plans cover preventive care like vaccines, blood pressure and depression screening at no cost, even before your deductible. No insurance? Community health centers adjust fees to your income and serve everyone, even if you can't pay.

Easy30 min to find and bookPreventive visits often $0 in network; health centers charge by incomeChecked October 2, 2026

What to know

Know what a PCP does: preventive care and healthy-living advice, treating common conditions, judging how urgent a problem is and where to get care, and referring you to specialists. Source: MedlinePlus
Know your options. Family medicine doctors and internists both see adults. Nurse practitioners and physician assistants can also be your PCP. Source: MedlinePlus
Search your plan's provider directory on its website, or call the number on your insurance card. Seeing an in-network provider usually means lower costs. Source: HealthCare.gov Many plans limit your choices, so check coverage before you narrow your list. Source: MedlinePlus
Ask around. Friends and family, your pharmacist or dentist, and your health plan's customer service can all recommend PCPs. Source: MedlinePlus
Call the office and ask whether they accept your plan and are taking new patients. Source: HealthCare.gov Use the questions below.
Book a checkup. Marketplace plans and many others must cover a list of preventive services with no copay or coinsurance in network, even before you meet your deductible. Coverage can vary, so $0 isn't guaranteed in every case. Source: HealthCare.gov
Bring your card, your medicine and allergy list, and your questions written down.

Watch out Out-of-network doctors usually cost more, so confirm before you book. Source: HealthCare.gov If something comes up before you have a PCP, urgent care usually saves time and money over the ER for non-emergencies. Source: MedlinePlus

Questions to ask before choosing

Are the office hours convenient for my schedule? Source: MedlinePlus
Does the office return calls? Can I message the provider through a patient portal? Source: MedlinePlus
Is the staff friendly and helpful? Source: MedlinePlus
Does the provider focus on prevention or mostly on treating disease? Source: MedlinePlus
Will they involve me in decisions about my care? Source: MedlinePlus

Free preventive care for adults, in network

Blood pressure screening Source: HealthCare.gov
Depression screening Source: HealthCare.gov
Alcohol misuse screening and counseling Source: HealthCare.gov
HIV screening for everyone 15 to 65 Source: HealthCare.gov
Hepatitis C screening for adults 18 to 79 Source: HealthCare.gov
Cholesterol screening for adults of certain ages or at higher risk Source: HealthCare.gov
Immunizations Source: HealthCare.gov

If it doesn't work

No insurance? HRSA-funded health centers offer medical, dental and mental health care, adjust fees by income and family size, and must serve everyone even if they can't pay. Use HRSA's Find a Health Center tool. Source: HRSA
Plan won't pay for a visit? You have the right to appeal and have it reviewed by an independent third party. Source: HealthCare.gov
Can't find anyone in a Marketplace plan? Call the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596. Source: HealthCare.gov
Not sure about a provider? Some offices let you schedule a get-to-know-you appointment, which may be free or cost a small fee. Source: MedlinePlus If it isn't a fit, you can choose someone else.

Good to know

Why have one

A PCP gives you an ongoing, trusting relationship with one professional over time. Source: MedlinePlus

Health centers are everywhere

HRSA funds about 1,400 health centers running more than 16,600 sites in every state. Source: HRSA

On your parent's plan?

You can generally stay on a parent's plan until you turn 26. Source: HealthCare.gov See Health insurance options.

Sources

MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine) Choosing a primary care provider
HealthCare.gov Getting medical care
HealthCare.gov Preventive care benefits for adults
Health Resources and Services Administration What is a health center?
Health Resources and Services Administration About the Health Center Program
HealthCare.gov How to get or stay on a parent's plan

Lesson B4.1 · Last checked October 2, 2026 against the sources listed.

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