What to look for when choosing a primary care physician

IN THE NEWS: One out of every three people in the United States don’t have a primary care provider, or PCP, to visit for periodic healthcare needs and annual physicals.

Having a PCP can benefit your health, but it’s important to find the right one. UCI Health internal medicine specialist Dr. Jaclyn Leong spoke to SELF about what to look for when searching for primary care.

“Having a strong connection where you feel safe and comfortable sharing your needs is fundamental.”

On the other hand, watch out for red flags, such as:

“…a provider who continually interrupts you, doesn’t appear to be engaged or listening."

Leong is a board-certified UCI Health internist at the UCI Health Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute who specializes in primary care medicine, integrative health, chronic disease management and preventive medicine.

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