NurseWise Shares Tips for Finding the Perfect PCP to Fit your Needs

ST. LOUIS, MO, March 06, 2014 (Press-News.org) As a 24/7/365 clinical advice specialist, NurseWise, a national provider of multilingual nurse triage and health education services, works hand-in-hand with other medical providers to deliver a continuum of care to individuals and families.

"Selecting a primary care provider is something people don't always think about...until they need one," said Kimberly D. Tuck, RN, Chief Executive Officer of NurseWise. "Having your PCP in place for routine check-ups, as well as during sickness, is a good first step on the journey to continual health."

Here are a few tips from NurseWise to help guide your Primary Care Provider (PCP) search to locate the perfect PCP to fit your and your family's needs:

• Asking people you know and trust to recommend their favorite physicians and what they love about them is a great way to get started with your PCP research.
Because of social media, it's simple to ask for a referral from a larger group through your online friend network.

• When asking about recommendations, think about physicians who align with your preferred approach to medication, healing and treatment. Do you favor traditional or holistic medicine or a combination of both?

• If you live in an area where you don't know anyone or if you aren't a fan of social media, your PCP search can be as simple as looking in your wallet. If you have health insurance, check the back of your insurance card for a toll-free customer service line or website to help you locate a PCP within your health network and close to home or work.

• Set a "get to know you" appointment with the PCP to find out more about his or her medical philosophy. During the appointment, ask questions about her or his beliefs pertaining to antibiotics, immunizations, approach to Western versus Eastern medicine and more. Doing this step helps you to determine that the PCP you select aligns with your treatment preferences.

• Ask how he or she handles after-hours health concerns. Find out who covers for your doctor when he or she is not available and if prospective PCPs provide after-hour nurse advice line services. Having 24/7 access to a clinical professional can provide peace-of-mind when something occurs outside normal business hours.

• If English is your second language or you're caring for family members whose primary language is not English, finding physicians who can converse in the needed native language can be important. Search local ethnic or religious newspapers and websites for physician recommendations and editorial profiles of physicians who fluently speak your preferred language and accommodate cultural practices that feel most comfortable to you.

The power of choosing the best PCP for your needs is in your hands. Even within a structured health insurance plan, there are hundreds of medical professionals available to you. After choosing a PCP, your next step should be to schedule a physical examination. Challenge yourself to see your PCP within the next 30 days so you can get an accurate snapshot of your current health status. Remember, establishing a proactive health plan presents multiple, substantial health benefits to you and your family. Get started now on your journey to better health.

About NurseWise
NurseWise is a wholly owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation that is in the business of providing multilingual telehealth (nurse triage and health education) services. We partner with health plans, hospitals, providers, colleges and universities, and other specialty organizations to ensure all callers have access to high quality, appropriate care. Our services are designed to encourage callers to become active participants in their health care, engaging in activities that promote appropriate utilization of care resources as well as better health outcomes for individuals and their families. We have provided uninterrupted service every day since 1995. NurseWise experienced Customer Care Professionals and Registered Nurses at our call centers across the country provide Care.Right.Now. through delivery of health information, education, and advice in a culturally and linguistically sensitive manner. NurseWise has locations in Tempe, Ariz.; El Paso, Texas; Tyler, Texas; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Atlanta, Ga.; and St. Louis, Mo. For more information, please visit our website http://www.nursewise.com or contact us today at info@nursewise.com.