Finding a primary care provider
This content is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. The information contained herein should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health condition, and those seeking medical advice or guidance should consult with a licensed and qualified healthcare provider. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have learned here or elsewhere.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately. No physician-patient or provider-patient relationship is created by this website or its use. Boulder Care makes no representations, express or implied, with respect to the information provided herein or to its use.
The short version
- A primary care provider is your main healthcare partner, someone who gets to know you and your health over time.
- You can find one through your insurance, an online directory, or a community health center, and your Boulder care team can help.
- With your written permission, we'll work with your primary care provider so your care fits together.
What primary care is
A primary care provider is your main healthcare partner. They might be a doctor, a nurse practitioner, or a physician assistant. All three are trained to diagnose health concerns, prescribe medication, and care for your overall health. They get to know you over time, so they can connect the dots in ways that are hard to do in a single visit.
Your Boulder care team supports your substance use. Your primary care provider looks after the rest of your health, like ongoing conditions, checkups, and illnesses.
They can help with:
- Yearly wellness visits and screenings that catch things early
- Ongoing health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and asthma
- Sudden illnesses, like a cold, the flu, or an infection
- Minor injuries, like a sprain or a small cut
- Diagnosing health concerns, including ordering lab work and other tests
- Figuring out which treatments may work best for you
- Managing your prescription medications
- Administering vaccinations
- Mental health, like feeling depressed or anxious
- Chronic pain and finding ways to manage it
- Referrals to specialists, and coordinating with them
- Coordinating your care if you need a hospital stay or surgery, including follow-up afterward
Parts of your health that deserve extra attention
Some parts of your health may need special, timely attention. Your primary care provider can help with mental health, infection care, and liver care, and getting support sooner can make a real difference in your recovery.
If you'd like counseling or therapy as part of your treatment for opioid use, we're here to help you find it. Sometimes it works best with people your primary care provider already knows. We'll figure that out together.
How to find a primary care provider
If you don't have a primary care provider yet, there are a few good places to start.
Your insurance directory. This is often the best first step. It shows you providers who are in-network, which means they work with your insurance, so your costs are usually lower.
Online provider directories.
- Zocdoc
- Healthgrades
- Family Doctor Finder from the American Academy of Family Physicians
- Medicare Care Compare, if you have Medicare
Community health centers. These offer full primary care, and many have sliding-scale payment options, which means what you pay is based on your income. You can look for one near you with the HRSA health center locator.
Your Boulder care team. Your care team is also available to help you find someone who meets your needs.
Questions to ask when choosing a provider
A primary care provider is someone you'll see over time, so it helps to find one that fits your life. These questions can help you figure out if you'll be able to get in, afford visits, and stay connected. You don't need to ask all of them, so pick the ones that matter most to you.
- Are you accepting new patients?
- Do you take my insurance?
- Is your office easy for me to get to?
- Do you offer telehealth visits?
- Do your hours work with my schedule?
- Do you have experience with my specific health needs?
When to get emergency care
Primary care is not a substitute for emergency care. Call 911 or go to an emergency room if you have:
- Chest pain
- Trouble breathing
- Signs of a stroke
- A severe allergic reaction
- A serious injury or another medical emergency
How Boulder works with your primary care provider
When your Boulder team and your primary care provider can talk to each other, your care fits together better. To do that, we need your written permission. The form is called a release of information, and we can help you fill it out.
If you see other providers regularly, you can sign a release for them too, so we can coordinate with each of them.
Next steps
- Tell your Boulder care team who your primary care provider is and where you see them.
- If you don't have one, ask us to help you find one.
- If you feel comfortable, request and sign the release of information so we can talk with them.
- Tell us if you'd like access to counseling or therapy.
Having a strong connection with a primary care provider can really support your long-term health, and we'll be here to help you build it.