September 14, 2022 – As families continue to flock to Florida from other parts of the country, physicians with the state’s largest network of hospitals are encouraging new Floridians to choose a primary care provider as soon as they move to their new home.
A primary care doctor not only helps maintain good everyday health, they are essential for managing conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and elevated cholesterol.
“We understand finding certain ‘creature comforts’ is important when settling into a new town, but getting established with a primary care provider is a must for staying on top of your yearly check ups and preventive screenings,” says Dr. Samuel Harris on staff at HCA Florida Westside Hospital in Plantation.
When seeking out a primary care provider, Harris advises new Florida residents first determine the type of provider they need, whether it’s a physician, a nurse practitioner or another medical professional.
Before booking an appointment, check with your insurance company to make sure the provider is in-network, adds Dr. Richard Lucarelli on staff at HCA Florida Ocala Hospital. Once insurance is confirmed, individuals should speak with the primary care provider’s front office about estimated co-pays for the services they expect to receive.
Individuals also should inquire where the doctor is affiliated if the need for hospital care arises and if the hospital accepts their insurance.
As for starting with a new primary care provider, Dr. Jillian Keighron of HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital encourages individuals to bring their medical records and a list of current medications to their first appointment.
Dr. Carlos M. Rodriguez-Mendoza with HCA Florida Blake Medical Specialists in Bradenton adds patients should make a list of symptoms they experience on a regular or even infrequent basis.
“It could be anything from periodic indigestion to not sleeping well,” he says. “These could be issues that are easy to address or they could be a sign of something that’s more serious in nature.”
New Florida residents can learn more about tips for choosing a new primary care physician.
Every year, up to 350,000 people move to Florida. In 2020 and 2021, more people moved to Florida than any other state in the nation.
A recent ranking by U.S. News & World Report shows 11 Florida cities among the nation’s 25 fastest growing (and seven among the top 10). Florida cities on the list include Lakeland, #2; Sarasota, #3; Fort Myers, #4; Ocala, #6; Port St. Lucie, #7; Daytona Beach, #8; Naples, #9; Melbourne, #12; Jacksonville, #14; Tampa, #15; and Orlando, #25.
About HCA Florida Healthcare
HCA Florida Healthcare, a part of HCA Healthcare, is a family of more than 570 affiliated sites of care, including hospitals, physician practices and freestanding emergency rooms. United as a statewide network in 2021, HCA Florida Healthcare includes approximately 11,000 experienced doctors and 77,000 colleagues working together to deliver advanced, collaborative care to more than 7.4 million patients each year. HCA Florida Healthcare is committed to improving more lives in more ways and giving back to the communities it serves. The network provided nearly $836.6 million in uncompensated care and invested significantly in innovative technologies and facilities across Florida, including the new $360 million state-of-the-art, multi-specialty HCA Florida University Hospital in Davie, Fla. A strong advocate for the next generation of healthcare professionals, HCA Florida Healthcare is also a major supporter of university-based healthcare programs and residencies and fellowships throughout the Sunshine State. For more information, please visit HCAFloridaHealthcare.com.
