Choosing a primary care provider (PCP) for your baby is a needed step before your baby is born. This handout shares tips to help you find a provider.
A primary care provider (PCP) provides:
Preventive health care
Well visits
Physical exams
Vaccines
Screenings.
Support, education and guidance for caregivers.
Care for illnesses and injuries.
Referrals to specialists as needed.
Pediatricians
All pediatricians care for children from birth through the teen years. They treat many types of health problems. They also focus on the health and development of infants, children, and teens.
Family Medicine Doctors
Family medicine doctors take care of patients of all ages, from kids to seniors. They are trained in many different areas of medicine. This allows them to provide care through adulthood. They can also provide care for your entire family, so they know your family’s health history as well.
How to Choose Your Primary Care Provider (PCP)
Research
You should start looking for a PCP about 3 months before your baby is due. Ask for suggestions from people you know. Then, check your health insurance’s website to see if the providers are covered by your plan.
For a complete list of UW Health providers that care for children, scan the QR code or visit www.uwhealth.org/providers. Under Sort By, select Ages Treated and then select Pediatrics. Please note that not all providers are accepting new patients.
Location
Travel time to the office can be an crucial factor, especially if your child is sick.You should also see if the office hours work for your schedule.
Communication
You may want to ask how you can talk with your child’s PCP, such as through MyChart or via phone. You should also ask what options there are for after-hours questions.
Who to Call
To find a PCP, call one of the numbers listed below.
Illinois Patients
Patient Navigation Hub
(779) 696-7455
Wisconsin Patients
Welcome Center
(608) 821-4819
Scan the QR code to complete our brief Find a Primary Doctor form or visit uwhealth.org/findpcp