As the morning sun filters through your curtains, you slowly become aware of the ache in the back of your throat when you swallow. By midday, a dry cough and dull headache have joined the mix. By evening, every muscle in your body feels heavy, and the fatigue is almost impossible to shake. You’re coming down with something. Where should you go?
Urgent care clinics are an excellent choice for fast answers, after-hours help, or same-day walk-in care. However, when you have access to a primary care physician (PCP) who knows your health history, your medications, and your long-term wellness goals, you benefit from more personalized, connected care that doesn’t end when the symptoms fade. At Integrity Urgent Care, we proudly offer both urgent care and in-person primary care at select locations across the state of Texas, giving you the flexibility to get the right care at the right time.
What Does a Primary Care Physician Do?
Your primary care physician (PCP) is your partner in maintaining overall health and wellness. They perform routine check-ups, provide preventive care, and manage ongoing health concerns. PCPs administer vaccinations, screen for potential health conditions, diagnose and treat illnesses, and help you manage chronic conditions. If specialized care is needed, they can refer you to the right expert.
Types of Primary Care Physicians
There are different types of primary care physicians based on your needs. Depending on your age, health needs, and family situation, one type may be a better fit than another. For instance:
Family Medicine
Family medicine PCPs treat patients of all ages, providing comprehensive care for your whole family if needed.
Internal Medicine
Internal medicine PCPs focus on the health of adults ages 18 and up, with specialized training in managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
Pediatric Care
Pediatricians are PCPs focused on the developmental health of infants, children, and teens. They provide vaccinations, school physicals, and monitor growth milestones.
Geriatric Care
Geriatricians specialize in age-related conditions such as memory loss, arthritis, mobility issues, and medication management for patients typically 65 and up.
How to Choose Your Primary Care Physician
The type of primary care physician you need will depend on your age, unique health conditions, and location.
Identify Your Needs
If you have a health condition or specific concern, you may prefer an internist who specializes in managing complex chronic conditions. If you want a provider that will help every member of your family through different stages of life, then a family medicine provider might be best. If you feel more comfortable with your PCP being one gender or another, it’s important to consider that as well.
Check Your Health Insurance Plan
If you have health insurance, it’s important to know whether a primary care provider is in-network or out-of-network, and what that means for the cost of care. Talk to your insurance provider or use their online directory before scheduling your primary care appointment. You’ll also want to know what type of plan you have.
- Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans usually require you to choose a PCP and get referrals to see specialists.
- Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans offer more flexibility. You can see specialists without a referral, but costs may vary.
At Integrity Urgent Care, we accept a wide range of insurance plans and are happy to help you verify coverage.
Ask for Recommendations
Reach out to trusted family members, friends, and coworkers to see if they have a primary care provider they’ve established a good relationship with. Combining personal recommendations with your own research gives you a fuller picture of what to expect from a healthcare provider, helping you make a more informed decision.
Do Online Research
Starting with a recommendation from someone you know is a great starting point to narrow down your search, but it should be followed up with some online research to better understand the primary care provider’s background, credentials, and online ratings.
Consider Logistics
A primary care provider may have glowing reviews and years of experience, but you will have a difficult time making your appointment with them if they are hours away or have limited availability. Look for a PCP who is close to your home or work and who is accessible when you need them.
Ask Questions
Your primary care physician should ideally be someone you build a long-term relationship with, so it must be a good fit. Treat your first visit as a chance to “test” the relationship. Pay attention to how they communicate, their approach to care, and how welcoming the office staff is. If you don’t feel listened to or respected, it could be a sign that you might need to keep looking for a better fit.
Make the Switch
Once you’ve found the right PCP, the next step is to transfer your medical records from your previous provider. If needed, be sure to cancel any upcoming appointments with them. Work with your new doctor to establish a schedule for check-ups, screenings, and any other necessary appointments to keep your health on track.
Primary Care with Integrity Urgent Care
Finding the right primary care provider is one of the most important steps you can take in maintaining your health. Whether you are looking for a new PCP after moving to a new city, entering a new era in your health journey, or wanting to find a better fit for your needs, it’s important to take your time to find the right provider.
At Integrity Urgent Care, we are proud to offer primary care services via telehealth throughout the state of Texas and in-person in select clinic locations. Dedicated to providing comprehensive care at every stage of life, our trained staff takes a preventive care approach to enhance overall health and foster lasting relationships with our patients. Schedule an appointment with our primary care team to learn more.
