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Choosing a Primary
Care a Doctor.

The first step to protecting your health is finding a Primary Care Doctor and scheduling an annual wellness visit.

Why Having a Primary Care Doctor Matters.

Regular visits with a Primary Care Doctor (also known as a Primary Care Provider or PCP) are crucial to maintaining your long-term health. These doctors are dedicated to listening to your health concerns, treating your individual needs, providing preventive care, and working with you to improve your health. As you get to know your doctor, they will become a trusted partner in your health journey—someone who knows and understands your healthcare needs.

Primary Care Doctors:

  • Are committed to understanding your healthcare needs 
  • Coordinate your care with other doctors and treat many common health issues 
  • Help you manage ongoing health problems 
  • Offer advice to help you live a healthier life 
  • Detect early warning signs for potential health concerns
  • Recommend screenings and immunizations

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Types of Primary Care Doctors.

Primary Care Doctors fall into a few different categories geared towards specific needs.

General practice and family medicine are the most common kinds of Primary Care Doctors. These doctors provide comprehensive preventive and whole-person care, and are board-certified in family medicine. 

Pediatricians usually support patients from birth until they turn 18. They’ll often work in collaboration with parents and other providers as needed. These doctors are board-certified in pediatric medicine. 

Internists (doctors of internal medicine) are a more specific kind of Primary Care Doctor. While their patients may include anyone over the age of 18, they often focus on a particular health concern and may be better suited to help you manage an ongoing health problem. These doctors are board-certified in internal medicine, but they may have an emphasis on subspecialties like cardiology, infectious disease, immunology, and more. 

Geriatricians are Primary Care Doctors who focus on patients over the age of 60. They are more experienced with treating medical conditions and dealing with concerns that come with aging. They are board-certified in internal or family medicine with additional certification in geriatrics.

Nurse Practitioners and Physician’s Assistants work alongside doctors to provide routine care and are a viable option for a Primary Care Doctor.

Not all doctors are considered Primary Care Doctors. Our provider search tool allows you to sort by doctors who provide primary care.

Once you have a doctor, it’s time to schedule a visit.

An annual wellness visit with your Primary Care Doctor to check on your physical and emotional health is covered at 100% on most plans. Virtual visits may also be available to you. 

An annual wellness visit with a Primary Care Doctor can help maintain your health and well-being, reduce potential health risks, and provide answers to your healthcare questions. These visits could include a physical exam, health risk assessment, medication review, and more.

Here are some other examples of other preventive care services:  

 

What is NOT covered with preventive care?

Preventive care is precautionary and therefore doesn’t typically cover the treatment of specific health problems or symptoms.  

Examples of services that are not considered preventive care include:

  • Additional visits with a specialized doctor  
  • Non-routine diagnostic tests and screenings 
  • Alternative therapies and health services 
  • Additional primary care visits 
  • Urgent care 
Here is a list of preventive care services that are covered on most Select Health plans. For more specific information about your plan, please log in to or register an online Select Health account to view your plan benefits. While preventive care is covered at 100% on most plans, you can use our cost estimator tool to get a better idea of the cost of services not covered as preventive care.

Additional Resources

Questions? Contact Member Services at 800-538-5038.

Medicare information | Medicaid information

The content included here is for your information and not a substitute for professional medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.