How to Find a New Primary Care Doctor: 7 Questions to Ask

Choosing a new primary care physician is one of the most important decisions you can make for your long-term health.

Whether your current doctor is retiring, your care no longer meets your expectations, or you're frustrated by long waits and limited access, finding a new doctor can be challenging.

At PartnerMD, we speak with patients every day who are looking for a better experience. One of the most helpful steps you can take is to speak directly with a potential physician before making a decision. A conversation can help you learn more about their approach and whether it aligns with your needs.

You’ll want to start with the basics: office hours, location, and insurance. But to truly understand the care you’ll receive, it’s important to ask thoughtful questions.

Use these seven questions to move beyond the basics and uncover what matters in your care.

1. How quickly can I get an appointment when I need one?

2. How much time do you typically spend with patients?

3. How do you communicate with patients and build lasting relationships?

4. Do you have experience managing my specific medical conditions?

5. How do you help patients stay ahead of long-term health risks?

6. What is your philosophy of care?

7. What support do you offer beyond appointments, like wellness coaching or care coordination?

Each of these questions is designed to help you understand what your experience will truly be like with a new physician. Let’s take a closer look at why each one matters and what to listen for in the answers.

1. How quickly can I get an appointment when I need one?

According to a 2025 report from AMN Healthcare, the average wait time to see a physician now exceeds 30 days in many areas, depending on location and specialty.

Long waits are one of the biggest frustrations with traditional primary care. You may not feel well or want to prioritize your health, but the next available appointment could still be weeks away.

This often comes down to volume. Many doctors care for more than 2,000 patients and see over 20 patients each day. That makes timely access difficult.

When demand is that high, it’s no surprise that appointments are hard to get. This is one reason more people are choosing concierge medicine, where a smaller patient panel improves access and availability.

When looking for a new primary care physician, ask how long it typically takes to be seen for a sick visit or annual physical. That way, you can set realistic expectations before you need care.

2. How much time do you typically spend with patients during appointments?

This question goes straight to what matters most: quality time with your doctor. In traditional primary care, appointments often last just 7 to 15 minutes, leaving little room to cover everything you want to discuss.

Knowing how much time a physician typically spends with patients can help you understand what kind of experience to expect. Will there be enough time to ask questions and talk through your goals? Or will the visit feel rushed?

In concierge care models, appointments often last 30 minutes or more, with annual physicals stretching to 90 minutes. This allows for deeper conversations and proactive planning.

3. How do you communicate with patients and build lasting relationships?

Strong communication is at the heart of a great doctor-patient relationship. You want a physician who listens carefully, explains clearly, and creates an environment where you feel comfortable asking questions or sharing concerns.

Ask how the doctor typically connects with patients during appointments and between visits.

• Will they walk you through your test results in detail?
• Are they responsive to portal messages or phone calls?
• Do they take time to explain their reasoning and talk through your options?

Clear, consistent communication builds trust over time. It helps you feel known, understood, and supported, not just treated.

As PartnerMD’s Dr. Eric Carr explains:

In my opinion, this can often be the most important question a patient can ask. How a physician communicates with their patients can have a huge impact on the physician-patient relationship.

4. Do you have experience managing my specific medical conditions?

Lifestyle habits play a major role in your health, but your medical history is still an important factor when choosing a primary care doctor.

If you have a family history of heart disease, diabetes, or other chronic conditions, ask if the doctor has experience managing those issues. Their background can shape how they approach prevention, screening, and treatment.

Most doctors treat a wide range of conditions, but some may have a stronger focus in certain areas. That added familiarity can lead to more informed and personalized care.

Ask about their experience with conditions that matter to you. It can help you find a better fit for your long-term health.

5. How do you help patients stay ahead of long-term health risks?

More patients today are looking for care that helps them stay healthy, not just treat problems when they arise.

This shift toward proactive medicine reflects a growing desire for early detection, prevention, and long-term planning.

Ask how this doctor integrates preventive care into your long-term plan.

• Do they offer routine screenings based on your age and risk factors?
• Do they discuss lifestyle habits like diet, exercise, sleep, and stress?
• Do they help create a plan for staying well as you age?

Great primary care helps you stay healthy, not just manage symptoms after they appear.

6. What is your philosophy of care?

Asking about a physician’s philosophy of care helps you understand how they view their role in your health.

Do they see themselves as a guide, a partner, or simply a provider of services? Their answer can tell you a lot about how they’ll support you over time.

Many physicians, including those at PartnerMD, take a patient-centered approach. They focus on listening, understanding your goals, and helping you make informed choices.

Rather than just giving instructions, they work with you to build a plan that fits your life and supports your long-term health.

Understanding their philosophy reveals whether your doctor sees you as a partner or a checklist.

7. What support do you offer beyond appointments, like wellness coaching or care coordination?

Don’t overlook the value of what happens between appointments. A strong primary care relationship includes not just time in the exam room but also the tools and guidance to help you stay on track.

Ask what kind of support the practice offers outside of scheduled visits. Can they help coordinate with specialists? Do they offer wellness coaching, nutrition guidance, or personalized care plans?

Ask what happens after the exam because ongoing support could be the difference between progress and stagnation.

At PartnerMD, services like health coaching and proactive care coordination are built to help you maintain momentum and improve your health between visits.

Choosing the Right Primary Care Physician Starts with the Right Questions

At the end of the day, choosing the right primary care physician isn’t just about availability or location. It’s about trust, time, and connection.

Now that you know the most important questions to ask, your next step is to use them during your search. Whether you are considering traditional care or exploring a concierge model like PartnerMD, being informed will help you make the right choice.

At PartnerMD, we specialize in helping people take control of their healthcare experience. Our approach gives you the attention, access, and long-term support you need to stay healthy and feel confident in your care.