--- title: "Choosing a primary care physician | Sutter Health Plan" description: "Find out how to choose the right primary care physician (PCP) and how they connect you to the care you need." url: "https://www.sutterhealthplan.org/members/choose-pcp" --- 1. [Home](https://www.sutterhealthplan.org/) / 2. [Members](https://www.sutterhealthplan.org/members) / 3. Choosing a primary care physician ![AdobeStock\_91503098Edited](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/sutterhealt962c-sutterhealt8fce-production57cc-4860/media/Project/SutterHealth/SutterHealthPlan/Images/AdobeStock_91503098Edited.jpg?h=2100&iar=0&w=3150) # Choosing a primary care physician When it’s time for a checkup or you need health advice, your primary care physician (PCP) is there to guide you. Here’s how to choose the right fit for your needs. [Find a Provider](https://www.sutterhealthplan.org/find-provider) ![AdobeStock\_91503098Edited](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/sutterhealt962c-sutterhealt8fce-production57cc-4860/media/Project/SutterHealth/SutterHealthPlan/Images/AdobeStock_91503098Edited.jpg?h=2100&iar=0&w=3150) **Section menu** - [Members](https://www.sutterhealthplan.org/members "Members") - [Member portal](https://www.sutterhealthplan.org/members/portal "Member portal") - [Forms and resources](https://www.sutterhealthplan.org/members/forms-resources "Forms and resources") - [Individual and Family Plan Coverage](https://www.sutterhealthplan.org/members/enroll "Individual and Family Plan Coverage") - [Health and wellness](https://www.sutterhealthplan.org/members/health-wellness "Health and wellness") - [Pharmacy benefits](https://www.sutterhealthplan.org/members/pharmacy-benefits "Pharmacy benefits") - [Plan partners](https://www.sutterhealthplan.org/members/plan-partners "Plan partners") - [Acupuncture and chiropractic benefits](https://www.sutterhealthplan.org/members/plan-partners/acupuncture-chiropractic "Acupuncture and chiropractic benefits") - [Behavioral health benefits](https://www.sutterhealthplan.org/members/plan-partners/behavioral-health-benefits "Behavioral health benefits") - [Dental benefits](https://www.sutterhealthplan.org/members/plan-partners/dental "Dental benefits") - [Vision benefits](https://www.sutterhealthplan.org/members/plan-partners/vision "Vision benefits") - [Members](https://www.sutterhealthplan.org/members "Members") - [Member portal](https://www.sutterhealthplan.org/members/portal "Member portal") - [Forms and resources](https://www.sutterhealthplan.org/members/forms-resources "Forms and resources") - [Individual and Family Plan Coverage](https://www.sutterhealthplan.org/members/enroll "Individual and Family Plan Coverage") - [Health and wellness](https://www.sutterhealthplan.org/members/health-wellness "Health and wellness") - [Pharmacy benefits](https://www.sutterhealthplan.org/members/pharmacy-benefits "Pharmacy benefits") - [Plan partners](https://www.sutterhealthplan.org/members/plan-partners "Plan partners") - [Acupuncture and chiropractic benefits](https://www.sutterhealthplan.org/members/plan-partners/acupuncture-chiropractic "Acupuncture and chiropractic benefits") - [Behavioral health benefits](https://www.sutterhealthplan.org/members/plan-partners/behavioral-health-benefits "Behavioral health benefits") - [Dental benefits](https://www.sutterhealthplan.org/members/plan-partners/dental "Dental benefits") - [Vision benefits](https://www.sutterhealthplan.org/members/plan-partners/vision "Vision benefits") Finding your PCP Your PCP helps manage your care across specialties to make sure you’re getting the care you need to stay healthy. So take the time to find a PCP you feel comfortable with and trust as your healthcare partner — it can make all the difference in your health and wellness journey. Use our [Find a Provider tool](https://www.sutterhealthplan.org/find-provider) to search for a PCP and learn more about the Sutter Health Plan provider network. You can search by: - Provider name, specialty or condition - Location including address, city and ZIP code - Providers accepting new patients - Medical group and hospital affiliation ### For new members When you enroll, you need to include your PCP’s first and last name and Sutter Health Plan provider ID number. ### Already a Sutter patient? If your current Sutter PCP is within the Sutter Health Plan network, you can continue seeing them, even if their practice is closed to new patients. When you enroll, include the Sutter Health Plan Provider ID number and confirm you’re an existing patient. ## Understand your medical group When you choose a PCP, you’re also selecting their medical group and care team. Your PCP will refer you to specialists, lab tests, imaging and other services when you need them. Many covered services, including specialist visits, require referrals or prior authorizations.  If you need specialty care and have a specific specialist in mind, check the provider directory to see which medical group the specialist is in. Make sure you choose a PCP within that medical group. You may be able to see some specialists who are outside your medical group if you have a referral, as long as they’re part of the Sutter Health Plan network. ## Change your PCP You can change your PCP through your Member Portal or contact Customer Service at [855-315-5800](tel:855-315-5800), weekdays, 8:00 am – 7:00 pm. 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