Do I have to get a primary care doctor?
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Dr. Michael Roizen answered:Nope (as long as you don’t have a managed care health plan). But, even if you don’t have a managed care health plan, you may have one even if you don’t call him or her that. Your primary care provider can be the doc that you see the most often for check-ups or treatment for simple problems like a sinus infection, even if he or she doesn’t have a plaque or pin that says “Jane’s Primary Care Provider.” That would be pretty cool, though!
However, if you do have a managed care plan, you typically are required to have a primary care provider to serve as the gatekeeper (ringleader, head honcho, personal guide) whose permission is typically required for you to see the next care provider.Nope (as long as you don’t have a managed care health plan). But, even if you don’t have a managed care health plan, you may have one even if you don’t call him or her that. Your primary care provider can be the doc that you see... More -
UnitedHealthcare answered:Most managed care plans require you to choose a primary care doctor. This is a physician who sees you most often for routine illnesses and care and becomes familiar with your medical history. Your primary care doctor also usually performs regular check-ups and screenings, makes referrals to a specialist when you need tests and will coordinate your care if additional treatment is warranted.
Most managed care plans require you to choose a primary care doctor. This is a physician who sees you most often for routine illnesses and care and becomes familiar with your medical history. Your primary care doctor also usually performs regular... More -
Dr. John Connolly answered:Everyone needs a doctor, even when they are healthy, because a doctor not only manages and cures illness, but also, hopefully, helps prevent illness and promotes wellness. Having a regular relationship with your primary care doctor is important and can be critical in diagnosing potential issues. It is difficult for a doctor you are seeing for the first time to know your history, your body, your normal function and presentation, and your emotions to recognize differences that may indicate problems.
Everyone needs a doctor, even when they are healthy, because a doctor not only manages and cures illness, but also, hopefully, helps prevent illness and promotes wellness. Having a regular relationship with your primary care doctor is important and... More
