Choosing a primary care physician (PCP) is a vital step in proactively managing your health and maximizing the benefits of your health plan. A strong relationship with your PCP provides consistent care and a trusted partner in your healthcare journey. Premera understands the importance of this decision and offers a robust tool to simplify your search.
Step 1: Know What You Want in a Doctor
Before diving into your search, take a moment to consider your personal preferences. What qualities are most important to you in a physician? Think about factors such as gender – do you prefer a male or female doctor? Consider their professional experience – would you be more comfortable with a younger physician or someone more seasoned? Practicalities also matter: do you need a doctor close to home or work? Language preferences can be key if you require a physician who speaks a language other than English. Hospital affiliations can also be important if you have a preferred medical center. Reflect on these aspects and create a list of your ideal doctor’s traits.
Step 2: Ask for Recommendations from Your Network
Personal recommendations can be incredibly valuable. Start by reaching out to friends, family members, or trusted colleagues for their doctor suggestions. Word-of-mouth referrals often lead to doctors who are highly regarded within your community. If you are managing a specific health condition, be sure to ask about doctors with experience or a particular interest in that area of medicine. Personal anecdotes and experiences can provide insights beyond online profiles.
Step 3: Leverage the Power of Online Research
The internet is a powerful resource in your doctor search. Many physicians have an online presence, whether through their own websites or profiles on hospital or clinic directories. These online profiles often provide valuable information about a doctor’s medical interests, their philosophy of care, and sometimes even personal details that can help you connect with them. Utilize search engines to gather publicly available information about doctors you are considering. Explore platforms like Yelp and ZocDoc, which host patient reviews and ratings, offering a glimpse into the experiences of others under their care.
Step 4: Utilize Premera’s “Find a Doctor” Tool
Once you have a clearer picture of your preferences, Premera’s “Find a Doctor” tool is your next essential step. This tool is specifically designed to help Premera members like you locate in-network doctors. Simply sign in to your account at premera.com or access the Premera mobile app. Navigate to the “Find a Doctor” tool to begin your search. You’ll be presented with a list of doctors within your Premera provider network. From there, you can further refine your search by applying the criteria important to you, such as specialty, location, and more. After your appointment with a new doctor found through this tool, Premera encourages you to return and leave a review to help other members.
Step 5: Maximize Savings by Staying In-Network
A key advantage of using the Premera “Find a Doctor” tool is the assurance that all listed physicians are within your Premera plan’s network. Choosing in-network providers is crucial for managing healthcare costs. When you stay within your network, you typically pay less out-of-pocket for your medical care. The “Find a Doctor” tool conveniently filters your search to ensure you are selecting from doctors who participate in your Premera plan, helping you avoid unexpected costs and maximize your healthcare dollars.
Step 6: Consider an Initial Interview
If you are still undecided after researching potential doctors, consider reaching out to their offices for a brief introductory call. An informal phone interview can provide deeper insights into aspects important to you, such as their communication style and bedside manner. This step allows you to gauge whether you feel comfortable and can build a good rapport with the doctor on a personal level, which is essential for a successful patient-doctor relationship.
