Choosing a primary care doctor

If you're looking for a new primary care physician, here are some key questions to ask yourself as you evaluate your choices. Answering them will help you narrow your options. You may be able to find this information online, over the phone or with an in-person interview.

• Are the office hours convenient for my schedule? Are same-day appointments available if I need them?
• Is the office staff personable? Do they return calls within a reasonable amount of time? Were they helpful?
• Does the provider involve patients in their own care and decision-making? Would our relationship be collaborative?
• What do other providers and past patients say about the provider?
• Does the provider explain and offer various treatment options?

All the providers associated with Advocate Health Care are board-certified. That means no matter which provider you choose, they will have undergone rigorous testing and continuing education to stay on top of the latest advances in the field.

Types of primary care providers include:

• Family medicine: A family medicine doctor can provide comprehensive health care for your whole family throughout their lives. Family medicine practice includes infants, children, teenagers and adults of all ages. These doctors provide comprehensive primary care, which involves the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of a wide range of illnesses, diseases and injuries. Find a family medicine doctor.
• Pediatricians: Many pediatricians work as primary care physicians. This type of pediatrician provides regular health and wellness checkups, and their practice includes newborns, infants, children and teens. They also diagnose and treat a wide range of general health conditions and give vaccinations. There are some pediatricians that specialize in treating specific medical conditions. Find a pediatrician.
• Internal medicine: An internal medicine doctor, also called an internist, specializes in comprehensive primary care for adults only. This care involves the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of a wide range of illnesses, diseases and injuries that affect young adults through seniors. They are especially well trained in diagnosing complicated medical problems and providing ongoing care for chronic illnesses. Find an internal medicine doctor.
• Obstetricians/gynecologists (OB/GYNs): OB-GYNs (obstetrician / gynecologist) provide prenatal, birth and gynecological services for women of all ages. They are specialists who diagnose, treat and manage reproductive health issues, such as menstrual irregularities. OB-GYNs also conduct regular screenings and provide a wide range of preventive care services, including pap smears and pelvic exams, and help with birth control. They also provide care related to pregnancy, childbirth and menopause. Find an OB/GYN doctor.
• Nurse practitioners (NPs): A nurse practitioner provides a wide range of acute, primary and specialty care services. These registered nurses have completed extensive additional training and education to be able to diagnose and treat patients for many common issues. Their services include conducting screenings, diagnosing illnesses, ordering and interpreting medical tests and prescribing medications. Find a nurse practitioner.
• Physician assistants (PAs): Physician assistants are practitioners that are licensed to diagnose and treat patients under the supervision of a physician. In a primary care setting, PAs can provide most of the clinical services that physicians provide, including performing physical exams, developing and managing treatment plans and prescribing medication. Find a physician assistant.