Choosing a primary care physician (PCP)

By AJ Murphy

Choosing the right PCP is one of the most important parts of your health care. We’re here to support and inform you so that you can make the best choice for you and your family. You can select your PCP after you enroll with Aetna Better Health^®.

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How do I choose a PCP?

Before you choose your PCP, make sure they are on our provider list. You should also consider your personal needs like:

How friendly is the office staff? Are they helpful? Do they return your calls?
Is the office open when you need it to be?
How easy is it to reach the PCP? Can you reach them via email?
Do you prefer a PCP that is friendly and warm or one that’s more formal and to the point?
What do colleagues and patients say about the PCP? Check the Internet for reviews.
Do your friends, neighbors or relatives have recommendations?

You can also ask your dentist or pharmacist for information that will help you make your decision.

Where can I see a PCP?

There are many places where you can see a PCP. Some providers have their own offices, some work in group offices and some work in clinics. Other types of care centers include:

Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs): Plan members have the right to get services at these community-based health centers in our network.
Indian Health Service (IHS) facilities: American Indians and Alaskan Native members can get medical services from an IHS clinic.
Independent practice associations (IPAs): Plan members can request that their PCP or specialist is part of an IPA group. These groups are made up of providers, specialists, health care systems and programs. The IPA will manage all your care.

What types of PCPs are there?

There are many different types of providers that you can choose as your PCP. There are:

Family physicians: They treat people of all ages. They may also do small procedures in the office.
Internists: They take care of adults with a variety of medical problems.
Obstetrician/gynecologists (Ob/Gyns): They treat female health issues. They often serve as a PCP for women who are of childbearing age.
Physician assistants (PAs): A PA works with a doctor as a team. They can only give care if a licensed doctor is supervising them.
Nurse practitioners (NPs): They are registered nurses (RNs) with more education and training.

What do I do after I choose my PCP?

Now that you’ve chosen your PCP, it’s time to make an appointment for a “new member checkup.” This visit is also called a “well visit” or “initial health assessment.” This should be done within the first 60 days of becoming a member. First, your PCP will look at your medical historyand give you a checkup. If it’s necessary, they can begin any new treatment that you might need. They will also talk to you about preventive care. And they can even refer you to a specialist if you need one.

Can I change my PCP?

You can always change your PCP to another doctor in our network. Just call Member Services or visit our secure Member Portal. In most cases, your PCP will change on the first day of the month following your request.

About the author

AJ Murphy is an evocative young writer who grew up in Boston's Charlestown neighborhood. AJ began his writing career at Alaska Ice Rinks Inc. in Anchorage, AK, where he also drove a Zamboni and took care of outdoor hockey rinks.

Simple veggie stir-fry

Try this speedy stir-fry for an easy way to fill up on veggies, even when you’re short on time! You can change it up with seasonal produce to keep dinner feeling fresh.

This recipe serves four.

Ingredients:

2 tables poons vegetable oil
4 spring onions
1 garlic clove (crushed)
1 piece fresh ginger (peeled and chopped)
1 carrot (match stick cut)
1 red pepper (match stick cut)
1 zucchini (match stick cut)
1 1/3 cups sugar snappeas
4 tables poons teriyaki sauce

Directions:

Heat a large pan on a high and add vegetableoil.
Add spring onions, garlic and ginger, and stir-fryfor 1 minute. Then reduce theheat.
Be careful not to brown the veggies ... keep the heat down!
Add carrot and red pepper and stir-fry for 2 minutes.
Add zucchini and sugar snappeas, stir-frying for another 3 minutes.
Toss the ingredients using aspatula.
Add teriyaki sauce and cook on high heat for a further 2 minutes. All the vegetables shouldbe cooked, but not too soft.

Sweet potato and banana pancakes

You can have pancakes, and eat your veggies, too! The sweet potato in this batter cuts down on sugar. And it adds protein for a stack that packs a healthy punch. This recipe serves four.

Ingredients:

1 1/4 cup whole-wheat flour
2 tea spoons baking powder
1/2 tea spoon salt
1 table spoon brown sugar
1/2 cup mashed baked sweet potato
1 egg
1 1/4 cup skim milk
1/2 teas poon cinnamon
1 banana (diced)

Directions:

In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, salt and brown sugar.
Add the sweet potato, egg and milk, and mix until smooth.
Add the cinnamon. Stir in the diced banana.
Place a large pan over medium heat and spray lightly with cooking spray.
Drop large spoon fuls of batter onto the pan —pancakes should be about 3.5 inches wide. Cook until bubbly, about 2 minutes. Flip and continue cooking until golden brown.
You can also top with slices of banana or other seasonal fruit.

Available at: bbc.com/food/recipes/sachas_stir-fry_17077. cessed September 11, 2018.

Popsugar. These 100 calorie pancakes contain asecret ingredient. Available at: popsugar. com/fitness/Whole-Wheat-Pancakes-Made-Sweet-Potato-31570129. Accessed September 11,2018.