Everyone should have a primary care provider. A primary care provider cares for the majority of your nonemergency care, learns your health history, recommends tests and screenings needed to maintain health and detect illness, and notices changes in your health. A primary care provider also coordinates overall care, even if you receive specialty care elsewhere.
Important considerations
Choose a primary care provider who:
Makes you feel comfortable discussing health topics
Answers your questions
Communicates well, speaking in terms you can understand
Suggests ways to improve your health
Recommends screenings and exams appropriate for your age and sex
Treats common illnesses and injuries
Involves you as a partner in your care — asks what you think, listens to your concerns and expects you to follow through with action when required
Explains the options when you need treatment
Offers referrals to highly qualified specialists when necessary
Is board-certified, indicating the provider has had additional training after medical school and has passed an exam in a medical specialty
Primary care providers include:
Family medicine physicians
Pediatricians (for children)
Physician assistants
Family nurse practitioners
Not all treatments, tests and services are available at all Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Check with your preferred location in advance.