398,879
Primary Care Physicians
100%
Accepting patients
74%
Most common: MD
FindClarity lists 398,879 primary care physicians nationwide. 100% are currently accepting new patients. The most common credential is MD (74%). 60% accept Medicare.
Primary care physicians (PCPs) are your main healthcare providers for general medical needs. They handle preventive care, chronic disease management, acute illnesses, and health screenings. They treat a broad range of conditions and coordinate your overall healthcare.
PCPs may be trained in family medicine, internal medicine, or general practice. Family medicine doctors treat patients of all ages, while internists focus on adults. Both complete a three-year residency after medical school. Your PCP maintains your complete medical history and manages referrals to specialists when needed.
Having a regular PCP is one of the strongest predictors of better health outcomes. People with a primary care relationship have lower rates of emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and premature death. Annual checkups catch problems like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol before they cause damage.
See your PCP for annual physicals, vaccinations, persistent symptoms (cough, fatigue, pain), management of chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension, new health concerns that do not require emergency care, mental health prescriptions (antidepressants, anti-anxiety), and referrals to specialists. They are your first stop for nearly any non-emergency health issue.
A first visit with a new PCP takes about 30 to 60 minutes. Expect a review of your full medical history, current medications, family history, and lifestyle habits. The doctor will perform a physical exam and may order blood work or other baseline tests. You will leave with a plan for any immediate issues and a schedule for preventive screenings.
Annual physical: $0 (preventive, covered) · Sick visit copay: $20-50 · Blood work: $100-500 (often covered preventive)
Healthy adults should have an annual wellness visit. If you have chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, you may need visits every three to six months. After age 50, screenings for colon cancer and other conditions become routine parts of your annual visit.
Family medicine doctors see patients of all ages, from newborns to elderly adults. Internists (internal medicine doctors) specialize in adult medicine only. Both are excellent primary care options for adults. If you want one doctor for your whole family, including children, choose a family medicine practice.
Yes. Primary care doctors prescribe the majority of antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications in the United States. For straightforward depression or anxiety, your PCP is often a good starting point. They will refer you to a psychiatrist if your case is complex, if medications are not working, or if you need specialized evaluation.
It depends on your insurance plan. HMO plans typically require a referral from your PCP before seeing a specialist. PPO and EPO plans usually let you see specialists directly, though using an in-network provider saves money. Your PCP can help determine which specialist is right for your concern.
Bring your insurance card, a list of current medications (including doses), any recent lab results or medical records, a list of your questions or concerns, and your family medical history (parents and siblings). Many offices send new patient forms to fill out in advance. Completing these ahead of time saves time at the visit.
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Annual wellness visits are covered at 100% with no copay under most insurance plans, thanks to the Affordable Care Act. Sick visits and follow-ups have copays or coinsurance. Verify your PCP is in-network, as out-of-network visits cost significantly more. Many plans require you to select a PCP to serve as your care coordinator.