How do I choose a primary care doctor?

A primary care doctor is the longest professional relationship most people have, and choosing one takes four filters in order. Filter one, coverage: in-network for your insurance (or sliding-scale if uninsured - community health centers serve everyone) and actually accepting new patients; both change constantly, so confirm by phone, not from a stale directory. Filter two, logistics: a practice you can physically reach, with hours that fit yours, sane appointment waits, and ideally a patient portal and telehealth options - the best doctor you can never see is worse than a good one you can. Filter three, fit: family medicine treats all ages; internal medicine focuses on adults and complex conditions; geriatrics on older adults - pick the training that matches your household, and if you have a dominant condition, ask how the practice handles it. Filter four, the one that predicts everything else: can you talk to them? MedlinePlus's overview of provider types reminds you that you may also see nurse practitioners or physician assistants in the practice - often easier to book and equally good for most primary care. Judge the first visit like an interview: did they listen, did they explain, would you tell them the embarrassing thing. If not, switch - switching is normal. Pymander is a free AI doctor, 24/7 by text, that can help you prepare the questions for that first visit.