A primary care provider is the person you see for checkups, sick visits and ongoing health problems. These are the main points to consider when you choose one, and the steps to take when you switch.
A primary care provider is your main point of contact for health care. This provider handles routine checkups, screenings and vaccines. They treat common illnesses and minor injuries. They also manage long-term conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol.
When you need a specialist, your primary care provider can send a referral and help coordinate your care. Seeing the same provider over time also means they know your history. This makes it easier to notice changes in your health.
Primary care is offered by a few types of providers. Family medicine doctors care for patients of all ages, from children to older adults. Internal medicine doctors focus on adults. Nurse practitioners also provide primary care, often working with a physician.
A family medicine practice can be a good fit if you want your whole household seen at one office. If you are comparing options, see our page on internal medicine care in The Woodlands.
Before you choose, check that the provider is in your health plan's network. Some plans also ask you to name a primary care provider on file before you can get referrals. You can call the number on your insurance card or check your plan's website. To see the plans we accept, visit our insurance page.
Pick an office you can reach easily from home or work. A short drive makes it easier to keep checkups and come in when you are sick. Woodlands Primary Healthcare has two clinics:
You should be able to explain your symptoms and understand your provider's advice. If you or a family member is more comfortable in Spanish, look for an office with bilingual staff. Our staff speaks English and Spanish.
Some offices offer more services on site, which can save trips. At our clinics, services include:
Think about how you will book visits and what happens when you get sick. Useful things to check include how you can schedule, whether the office offers video visits and whether it accepts walk-ins. At Woodlands Primary Healthcare, you can book online, by phone or through our bilingual chat assistant. Walk-ins are accepted for urgent care needs. For help deciding where to go when you are ill, read sick visit, urgent care or ER.
When you change providers, your new office will need your past records. You can ask your previous office for a copy, or sign a records release form at your new office so they can request it. Records to gather include recent lab results, your vaccine history, a list of current medications and notes on any ongoing conditions or past surgeries.
Do not stop or change any medication while you switch providers. Bring your medication list to your first visit so your new provider can continue your care.
Your first visit with a new provider is mostly about getting to know your health. Plan to bring:
Arrive a little early to complete new patient forms.
To become a patient at either clinic, use the Book Appointment button at the top of the page, the Book Now button in the site menu or our bilingual chat assistant. You can also call (281) 466-4644.
Yes, it helps. A primary care provider keeps track of your screenings and vaccines and knows your history if you get sick. Many health problems are easier to treat when they are found early.
At a family medicine practice, yes. Our providers see children and adults, so parents and kids can be seen at the same clinic.
Ask your previous office for a copy, or sign a records release form at your new office so staff can request them for you.
Yes. Use the Book Appointment button at the top of any Health Resources page or the Book Now button in the site menu. You can also call (281) 466-4644 or use our chat assistant.
For many common illnesses, your primary care office is a good first call. Walk-ins are accepted at our clinics for urgent care needs. Go to the emergency room for chest pain, trouble breathing, signs of stroke or other emergencies.
25511 Budde Rd, Suite 3901, The Woodlands, TX
2715 N Mason Rd, Katy, TX
This page is for general information and is not medical advice. Please talk with a provider about your own health. If you have a medical emergency, call 911.
