A primary care provider is also called a general practitioner, general doctor or family doctor. He or she is the main medical professional you go to for your health needs.

While focusing on your general health needs, your primary care provider can refer you to a specialist or community resource when appropriate.

Choosing a primary care provider: Who's right for you?

When you choose a primary care provider, you are choosing someone who will get to know you in order to guide your overall medical care.

The primary care provider who's right for you is someone with whom you can discuss anything that could affect your health – from family history, to your lifestyle, habits and beliefs.

Choose a primary care provider when all is well. That way when all is not well, you won't have to make a hasty decision about your medical care. And because your primary care provider knows you, he or she can help you stay healthy.

When choosing a primary care provider, consider:

Training and experience: Find out where he or she studied medicine, the length of that training and where he or she has practiced medicine.
Prevention: Is he or she concerned about your lifestyle? Note whether he or she asks about your alcohol, tobacco and drug use; eating and exercise habits; health risks at work and home; or sexual activity.
Accessibility: Make sure the provider is accepting new patients. Find out his or her usual hours to see if they fit your schedule. Ask who covers for the provider when he or she is out of the office. Find out who should be called and what hospital is used for emergencies.

Source: Allina Medical Clinic Administration; Allina Physician Referral and Class Registration
Reviewed by: Sheri Lofton, MD, Allina Medical Clinic – Cottage Grove; Michael Shrift, MD, chief medical information officer, Allina Hospitals & Clinics; Caroline Toll, MD, Allina Medical Clinic – The Doctors Uptown
First Published: 07/29/1999
Last Reviewed: 03/06/2009