Get to know your primary care physician in the Mid-Atlantic States
Your Kaiser Permanente health care team includes your pharmacists, laboratory services, and any specialists you might need, but it’s your primary care physician who heads this team. To get the most from your Kaiser Permanente membership, it’ll help to get to know this doctor better.
Since this is an important relationship, you can choose your own primary care physician from our online resource guide. You can also call Member Services for help with your choice, if you need it.
Once you’ve selected your primary care physician, remember these tips to get the most from your relationship:
- Your primary care physician heads your health care team.
Your care team includes Kaiser Permanente professionals from different departments working together to give you the best care possible. Leading this charge is your primary care physician, who works with you to determine the best care to meet your individual needs.
- If you need specialty care, your primary care physician will find a specialist for you.
Whether you need to see a pulmonologist, a physical therapist, or a neurologist, your primary care physician will refer you to the right specialist. Our integrated care system will help this process flow smoothly, without unnecessary delays or surprises.
- Your primary care physician can talk with you in person, on the phone, or online.
You can set up appointments with your primary care physician using My health manager, which also lets you email your doctor and receive messages in return. When appropriate, you can even make a phone appointment for more convenient care.
- You can change your primary care physician at any time.
If you ever want to switch to a different primary care physician, you can take care of it through My health manager at any time, for any reason. You won’t have to contact your original physician or explain your decision.
- You are a vital member of your health care team.
Don’t forget that you’re a key member of your own care team. As well as you may get to know your doctor, no one knows your history, symptoms, and wishes better than you.
Having a comfortable relationship with your primary care physician is the best way to make sure you get the care you need. By keeping the lines of communication open, you can give your physician and the rest of your care team the information necessary to help you thrive in good health.
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