Community Clinics

Things to consider when choosing a Primary Care Provider

A primary care provider (PCP) plays an important role in helping manage the health of you and your family. This person is usually a doctor, but may be a physician assistant or a nurse practitioner. Your PCP will most likely provide your care for a long time, so selecting a PCP who you trust and feel comfortable with is very important.

There are several other things you should consider when choosing a PCP:

• Insurance coverage. Most insurance plans limit the providers you can see. University of Utah Health Care providers accept most major insurance plans but it’s a good idea to check with your insurance carrier to verify coverage.
• Availability. Health care problems are never convenient so having a provider with flexible appointments is important. University of Utah Health Care Community Clinics offer convenient hours and same day appointments.
• Access to specialists. Community Clinic physicians are part of the University of Utah Medical Group, giving them direct access specialists from all medical areas.
• Location. There are eleven University of Utah Health Care Community Clinics located through out the Wasatch Front.
• Expertise. As part of Utah’s only academic health care system, University of Utah Health Care providers are experts in primary care medicine.

Who should I get a referral from?

• The best source of a referral for a primary care provider is from people you already know. Friends, neighbors, and family members are great sources of information for choosing a PCP.
• Your insurance plan can also provide guidance on what providers are in your area and who is covered by your plan.
• Web sites, like this one, can provide valuable information on your primary care provider, including specialty, education and training, and the medical focus.

If you are still not sure which primary care provider is right for you, please give us a call and one of our scheduling specialists will be glad to assist you.