office offer access to a 24/7 nurse advice line? Having round-the-clock access to a clinical professional can provide peace of mind when something occurs outside standard business hours.
4. Consider Convenience.
Is it easier for you to go to visit your PCP close to home or close to work? Take office hours into consideration if you need later appointments. Also, look into convenience.
This includes factors such as the doctor’s ability to schedule appointments online or request a prescription refill without an appointment.
If English is your second language or you’re caring for family members whose primary language is not English, finding providers who can speak in the needed native language can be important.
Search local newspapers and websites for provider recommendations and editorial profiles of PCPs who fluently speak your preferred language and accommodate cultural practices that feel most comfortable to you.
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5. Go and See.
Set a “get to know you” appointment with the provider to find out more about his or her medical philosophy.
During the appointment, get familiar with her or his beliefs regarding antibiotics, immunizations and referrals for specialty care.
Is there another provider who is available should your preferred PCP be unavailable? Assess the office itself. Is it clean and comfortable? Is the staff helpful? Taking this step helps ensure the PCP you select aligns with your preferences.
About Envolve, Inc.®
Envolve, Inc.® is a family of health solutions, working together to make healthcare simpler, more effective and more accessible for everyone. As an agent for change in healthcare, Envolve is committed to transforming the health of the community, one person at a time. Envolve unifies medical management, utilization management, specialty pharmacy, PBM, vision, dental, behavioral health management, life and health/wellness management, empowerment and education services, telehealth services, 24/7 nurse advice services, and data, analytics, and IT solutions. For more information, please visit our website www.envolvehealth.com or contact us today at [email protected].