Navigating the US healthcare system can be intimidating for internationals coming from a completely different healthcare system – but it is not as difficult as you may think! Here are some advice that may make your navigation of the healthcare system easier.

Primary care physicians

A primary care physician (PCP) is a healthcare professional who practices general medicine. PCPs are our first stop for medical care. Not only do they take care of our general health, but they are highly resourceful when it comes to specialist referrals.

It is highly encouraged that you get a primary care physician as soon as you arrive in the US and start your position.

Find a primary care physician:

1. Look for doctors that meet your healthcare needs (specialties, languages, distance, etc.) on your healthcare website, ZocDoc, or websites of local hospital systems.

   UnitedHealthCare website

   ZocDoc

   Weill Cornell Medicine

   NewYork-Presbyterian

2. Call the doctor’s office to ask if they take new patients. Some doctors may not take new primary care patients, but most do!

3. Provide your personal and insurance information to the doctor to complete the registration.

4. Now that your information is registered with your PCP,  you can call your PCP to schedule a visit, an annual physical exam, or to get a prescription for your medications.

5. If you need a specialist, make sure to get a referral from your PCP before your specialist appointment so that you don’t end up with an exorbitant medical bill!

Getting a PCP is much easier and more beneficial than it sounds like. If you still don’t have a PCP, get one today!