What is a Primary Care Provider (PCP)?
A Primary Care Provider (PCP) is your main medical provider when you move into adult care. They help you manage your overall health—not just your transplant care.
A PCP can:
- Complete routine health checkups
- Treat common illnesses such as colds or infections
- Help manage long‑term conditions like high blood pressure or asthma
- Provide vaccines and routine preventive screenings
- Refer you to specialists when needed
- Get to know you and your health history
- Communicate with your transplant team to support your overall well‑being
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Why is a PCP important for transplant recipients?
Even though your transplant team plays a major role in your medical care, your PCP is important as well! Your PCP will help you:
- Access medical care quickly if a new symptom or illness comes up
- Identify and discuss your health concerns
- Update and maintain your medical history
- Support your overall health - not just your transplanted organ
- Provide guidance about reproductive health issues and concerns
Together, your PCP and transplant team form the foundation of your adult healthcare support system.
How can I find an adult PCP?
Here are some good places to start as you transition to adult care:
- Ask your pediatrician for recommendations, especially providers who have experience in taking care of young adults who have had a transplant.
- Check your health insurance website or call the Member Services number on your insurance card.
- Ask trusted adults like your other health care providers, your transplant team, your school nurse, or a social worker.
What should I know when I’m trying to choose a PCP?
These questions can help you find a provider who is a good fit for you:
- Are you accepting new patients?
- Do I need a referral from my pediatrician to transfer my care to your practice?
- Do you care of other patients who have had transplants?
- Do you take my insurance? (Have your insurance card ready so you can give them the information).
- What are the usual copays for office visits?
- Where is your office located? Is there easy parking? Is it accessible by public transportation?
- What are your regular office hours? Do you offer same‑day or walk‑in appointments?
- What happens if I have an urgent question or I get sick after regular business hours?
- Does your practice have a social worker who can help with resources or community support services?
- How will you work with my transplant team if I have a health issue related to my transplant?
What to bring to your first adult PCP visit
Your new PCP will need accurate information about your health history. When you go for your first appointment, it will be helpful to have:
- A copy of your health summary from your pediatrician
- Your transplant health information from your transplant team
- An updated medication list
- Your current vaccine record (ask your pediatrician for this)
- A list of your current healthcare providers and their contact information
- Photo ID
- Your insurance card or a digital copy of your card
- A list of questions or concerns you want to discuss
- A support person, if helpful
What should we discuss at the first appointment?
Your PCP will ask you a lot of questions about your healthcare to get to know you. They may ask about:
- Your overall health history
- Your transplant history
- Family health history
- Medications
- Healthy living and routine care
- Nutrition and exercise
- Vaccines
- Dental care
- Cancer screening (skin care)
- Bone health
- Reproductive health
- Risk-taking behaviors (tobacco and alcohol use, vaping, street drugs)
- School or employment
You should also let your new PCP know about other providers involved in your care such as a:
- Cardiologist
- Nephrologist
- Dermatologist
- OB/GYNE (reproductive health provider)
- Mental health provider
- Dentist
- Eye doctor
Discuss how you manage your transplant care with your PCP so they understand your routine and how you:
- manage medications
- obtain labs as requested
- attend routine appointments
- communicate with your transplant coordinator and team
It’s also important to know how things “work” at your new PCP’s office. Ask your PCP or the office staff about:
- How to make, cancel, or reschedule appointments
- What to do if you are running late
- How to contact the office with questions or concerns
- How test results will be shared with you
Going to your first adult PCP appointment can feel a little awkward—and that’s okay. It takes time to get comfortable with a new provider and build trust. This is normal! With each visit, it will get easier, and you’ll start to feel more confident speaking up and working with your PCP. If you have questions, reach out to the office, and try your best to keep your appointments. These check‑ins help you feel more at home in this new setting and learn how your PCP can support you as you take charge of your adult healthcare – as well as your transplant care.
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