A Guide To Seeking Primary Care in Philly

Do you have a doctor you turn to for primary care? If not, you’re not alone.

As of 2022, one in eight adults in Philadelphia didn’t have a primary care provider, according to Philadelphia Department of Public Health data.

Earlier this year, Kelly McGuigan, a then-medical student at Thomas Jefferson University, came on the City Cast Philly podcast to talk about Philly’s primary care challenges, and how Philadelphians can go about finding a medical professional to see for yearly checkups and ongoing health care. Here are some of her tips for finding a PCP.

📍 If You Have Health Insurance:

McGuigan recommends starting with the phone number on the back of your insurance card. You can call, tell them your zip code and the type of doctor you’re looking for, and they’ll help you find a nearby provider who’s in-network.

Some insurance providers also have a search tool on their website, but McGuigan cautioned that some of these websites can be outdated.

Once you’ve found someone who seems like a good fit, give their office a call, ask if they’ll take your insurance and if you’ll have any copays when you visit, and schedule your appointment.

📍 If You’re Un- or Under-Insured:

McGuigan recommends making an appointment with one of Philly’s health centers, which serve anyone regardless of insurance (or lack thereof), immigration status, or ability to pay. If you’re uninsured, a visit will cost a “small fee” based on your income and the number of people in your family, per the city’s website.

Find a location and see what services it offers, its phone number, and the price range for a regular visit using this tracker.

🩺 Try Not To Wait Until You Get Sick

Wait times for primary care in Philly can get long, McGuigan said, so it’s best to get an early jump on finding a new provider and making a new patient appointment, rather than delaying until you’re actively sick.

So, if you’re reading this and don’t have a PCP, but do have the time and mental space to find one and make an appointment … this is your sign to do it.

📝 How To Prepare for Your Appointment

Before you go, you’ll want to make sure you have a list of questions you want to ask or things you want to talk about. Also, be as prepared as possible to answer questions about your and your family’s medical history.

If you’re new to a particular facility, try to factor in some extra time before your first visit to get there, get oriented, and figure out exactly where you’re going, McGuigan recommends.

Finally, once you’re actually at your appointment, make sure you’re open and bring up the things you want to talk about, including mental health concerns.