Tips to Help You Find the Right Fit
When you are making big life decisions—such as choosing a partner, changing jobs, or hiring child-care—you take time to consider priorities and find the perfect fit.
Your Primary Care Physician (PCP), the doctor/provider you see most, plays a vital role in your long-term health. This is the leader of the team responsible for your medical care. If you don’t already have a PCP, make sure you’ve considered this decision carefully. Your PCP should be someone you trust to advocate for you.
It can be overwhelming to comb through online testimonials and reviews. Your relationship with your PCP is as unique as you! Rely on testimonials from people and places you trust.
While online patient reviews are helpful, it is only part of the story. MVP has an online search tool to help members find providers and offices that accept MVP. You can narrow your search based on language spoken, gender, certification, area of focus, and more.
Read on for a few more things to think about when choosing a provider for you.
Make it convenient
Choose a place you can get to easily. Find a provider conveniently located near your home or work, if you can. Consider parking, public transit, and wheelchair accessibility if needed.
Ask about office hours, appointment times, and whether you can speak with someone if medical issues come up after office hours. If you are open to virtual care, see if it is an option in a pinch.
Pro Tip: Use the MVP online search tool to ensure the provider takes your MVP plan and is accepting new patients. Sign in to Gia® for the best results.
Communication is key
Make sure your provider speaks your preferred language and is someone you can talk with openly. You want a provider who stays present during your appointment and hears your concerns. Your health is important, and so is your relationship with your PCP.
From appointment and billing reminders to lab results, make sure the provider communicates with you in the way you want. If you’d rather keep track of your health digitally, ask if the provider has an online portal or digital tools to give you easy access to your health information.
Pro Tip: Don’t wait until you are sick. Most plans cover an annual wellness visit or physical at no cost-share. Scheduling this for your first visit could be a cost-effective way to get to know the provider and get some base-line information about your health.
Prioritize the care you need
If you need specialized care, check to ensure the provider is certified with the American Board of Medical Specialties. You can ask the office or find information about a provider's board-certifications and specialties online. Make sure the provider’s specialties match your needs.
Pro Tip: New York State has a mandatory registry for Medical Doctors (MD) and Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) who are licensed in NY. The NYS Physician Profile includes information about:
- Medical education and residency history
- Legal actions and malpractice history
- Insurance plans accepted
- Translation services available
You can find links to New York and Vermont Physician Profiles on the MVP website.
Understand your coverage
MVP negotiates with in-network providers, so you get quality care at a better price. Make sure the provider accepts your health insurance and know what kinds of visits your plan covers. You may need to share information from your health plan ID card.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. MVP members who need help finding a PCP or understanding their benefits can contact the Member Services/Customer Care Center at the phone number on the back of your MVP Member ID card.