Primary Care
Take care of the whole you
To ensure lifelong and comprehensive care, have a primary care doctor or provider in your corner as your healthcare go-to guide. Primary care providers (PCPs) and patients can establish long-term relationships. PCPs serve as point people to coordinate all your care.
Top 6 reasons why to get primary care
Save money: Having an established primary care provider (PCP) helps you avoid unnecessary ER visits, duplicate tests, and unplanned hospital stays—improving your care experience, saving you money, and helping reduce overall health care costs. (source)
Be healthier & reduce risk: Research shows that patients with a PCP have better long-term health outcomes and a lower risk of premature death. (source)
Preventive care & avoiding serious health problems: Regular check-ups, screenings, and vaccinations can help catch potential health issues, such as cancer or high blood pressure, before they become severe.
Chronic disease management: Primary care providers help manage long-term conditions like diabetes, asthma, or hypertension, reducing the risk of complications.
Comprehensive & coordinated care: Primary care acts as the central point for managing overall health, coordinating care with specialists, and understanding your medical history.
Save time by not waiting in the emergency room for non-emergencies. More on ER vs urgent vs primary care.
Kinwell advanced primary care, for Washington members
Kinwell Health primary care clinics offer a whole person approach to healthcare, including diet, fitness, and mental health. In-person and virtual appointments available. For Washington state members only.
Ready to find a PCP? Choose your primary care provider
You have choices about your “regular doctor,” who is also known as a primary care provider (PCP), medical doctor, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or naturopath.
- Family medicine & general practice—all ages
- Internal medicine—usually 18+ adults
- Pediatrics—babies, kids, teens to early 20s
- Geriatric medicine—usually 65 years+
Annual exam—what to expect & benefits
Preventive care is no additional cost to you—covered 100% by your health plan.
- Physical exam
- Routine blood work
- Routine vaccines
- Blood pressure and weight check
- Screening for mental health
- Screening for cancers (colon, breast, cervical, more)
- Screening for sexual and reproductive health
- Nutrition and physical activity discussion
- Set health goals
- Plan for follow-up about issues or concerns
All year primary care—what to expect & benefits
While preventive care is no additional cost and covered by your plan benefits, check your full benefits for cost shares like deductibles, co-pays, coinsurance, etc.
- Medication management
- Minor injuries
- Acute illness treatment
- Chronic disease management
- Patient education
- Overall health and well-being
- Care team lead
- Referrals to specialists, scans, or treatment
Tips for choosing a PCP that’s a right fit for you or your child
- Pick a PCP who meets your needs
- Choose an in-network PCP to avoid surprise costs.
- Check to make sure their location and hours are convenient.
- Ask if PCP offers virtual care, online appointment scheduling, drug refills, and easy-access test results.
- Make sure you’re comfortable
- Choose a provider who listens, explains clearly, and helps you feel at ease.
- Seek a provider who respects your background, values, preferences.
- Ask friends, family, or other providers for referrals.
Urgent vs. virtual vs. ER care
Need quick care? Does a health issue warrant going to urgent care vs. emergency room? Primary care doctors can do more than you think. Want to avoid ER cost and hassle?
Check your benefits
Know your preventive health plan and primary care coverage. Annual wellness exams and preventive care are fully covered by your health plan.