In our most recent post of this series, we outlined some considerations in case you need to use your insurance for emergency care. Today’s post will help you understand how to choose a provider and make an appointment.

Earlier in the series, we mentioned that having health insurance allows you the benefit of having a provider that can help you make the best health care-related decisions. Providers are the physicians (M.D. – Medical Doctor or D.O. – Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine), health care professionals or health care facilities licensed, certified or accredited as required by state law. In other words, they are the doctors, nurses, physicians, hospitals and other health care professionals that provide you with medical care.

Because this person will be the one you’re primarily working with for your health, it’s important to find one that’s right for you. Consider the following:

• Is this provider in my insurance network? (If they aren’t, you’re likely to pay more to see someone out of your network.) If you’re a BCBSKS member, you can check through our National Doctor and Hospital Finder.

• What types of reviews does this provider have among friends, family or in the community?

• Is this provider’s office close to my home or work?

• Is the provider’s office staff friendly and helpful?

If you can’t find all the answers to these questions on your own, consider making an appointment with the office to learn more. With a little work, you can find the perfect primary care provider for you!

When it’s time to make an appointment, you’ll need to be prepared for a few things:

• When you call, tell the office which provider you’d like to see and why you need an appointment

• If you’re a new patient, you may have to wait a few weeks to get in

• Ask if you need to bring anything to the appointment, such as a list of your current medications

Next in series: Be prepared for your appointment