There are many methods and resources available to you to find a primary care practitioner(PCP). Using resources and referrals is important, but before you begin that part of your search, you should create a specific set of activities that you will follow to select your physician. For example, the following PCP search criteria will help you to get to your best choice without leaving out any important criteria:

1. Identify what is important to you in a physician
   
2. Create the list of credible resources you will use to check out possible physicians
   
3. Create your “short list” of physicians
   
4. Create a list of questions to ask the physician or office staff
   
5. Call their offices and create an even “shorter list” based on responses
   
6. Visit, if possible, to make an on-site inspection
   
7. Make your selection