Scheduling your first visit with a primary care provider (PCP) doesn’t always go the way you expect. Here’s what can happen: You choose a PCP. But when you go to make an appointment, you hit a road block. Maybe the PCP’s office staff say they don’t accept your health plan. That’s odd! You read somewhere that they did. Or maybe they say they aren’t taking new patients.

Don’t give up! Getting time on the books can be a challenge. But seeing your PCP for a check-up is worth the effort. According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, getting preventive care can reduce your health risks in the future.

Here are some tips to make this process easier.

1. Make sure the provider is taking new patients.

Give the provider’s office a call and ask whether they are accepting new patients. And if they are, find out how soon they can see you. You can also get this information through our provider search tool. Our listings show whether providers accept new patients.

2. Make sure the provider is in our network.

When you call the provider’s office, ask whether are in the Tufts Health Plan network. You can also ask if they accept our Medicaid plan. The plan name is Tufts Health RITogether. Keep in mind that some office staff may not know all the plans their office accepts. If our search tool shows that a provider accepts Tufts Health RITogether and they are accepting new patients, you can see this provider for your care.

3. Give us a call if you run into other barriers.

A health care provider who participates in Medicaid can’t turn you away because you have Medicaid. If you can’t get an appointment for this reason, please give us a call at 866-738-4116, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. We’re here to help you get the health care you need!

Need help choosing a new PCP? Our step-by-step guide can help you choose a provider based on your needs.