Things to Know When Choosing a Primary Care Doctor, With Greg Whisman, M.D.

Choosing the right primary care doctor is one of the most important decisions you can make for your long-term health. A strong patient–doctor relationship can make a big difference in how effectively you manage both everyday health concerns and chronic conditions. According to Greg Whisman, M.D., MBA, chief medical officer at CareMore Health, patients should focus on access, communication, approach to care and practical fit when selecting a provider.

First, convenience and accessibility matter. Patients should ask about clinic hours, after-hours support and how quickly the office responds to portal messages or phone calls. Many people end up in urgent care or the emergency department on weekends because their primary care office isn’t reachable or can’t accommodate same-day needs. Understanding when and how to contact your doctor—and what to do for urgent but nonemergency situations — can prevent small health issues from becoming serious ones.

Second, it’s important to consider how your doctor fits into the broader care network. Ask where they prefer to refer patients for urgent or specialized needs and whether they coordinate well with other providers. This can save time and confusion later on.

Third, patients should look for a doctor whose approach to care aligns with their needs and values. For those managing conditions like diabetes or hypertension, ask how proactive the doctor is about using tools such as continuous glucose monitors or lifestyle-based interventions before medication changes. A good clinician should balance medical expertise with an understanding of real-world challenges — like cost, access and lifestyle.

Finally, a great primary care provider doesn’t just prescribe treatments; they help patients find realistic, sustainable ways to follow through. As Whisman emphasizes, the best care plans are ones you can actually carry out and afford. Before your first appointment, consider what you need most — accessibility, flexibility or a more holistic approach — and come prepared with questions.

5 Things to Know When Choosing a Primary Care Doctor

• Ask about office hours and after-hours communication.
• Find out how quickly they respond to messages or calls.
• Understand where they refer patients for urgent needs.
• Discuss their approach to chronic condition management.
• Make sure they consider cost, access and lifestyle factors.