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Need to Find a Family Doctor in Springfield? Where to Start

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A primary care physician is important to your health — it’s a medical “home” where you can go with any problems you may have, where someone knows your history. A PCP can keep track of your health and can refer you to specialists.

According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, the first signs of depression, cancer or chronic illness are often identified in primary care settings.

Finding a PCP isn’t always easy, though. In Greene County, there were 84.42 primary care physicians per 100,000 people from 2022 to 2023, according to the U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration. (Those numbers count only doctors of medicine — MDs — and don’t include doctors of osteopathy — DOs — or nurse practitioners.) St. Louis County had 208.65 primary care physicians per 100,000 people during that same period.

Here are some tips and resources for finding a family doctor in the Springfield area.

Where do I begin?

With two health care systems, a community health center, and several private practices, it can be difficult to even begin looking for a PCP. But it doesn’t have to be.

For the Cox Health system, there is what Heather Swearengin calls “kind of an easy button”: the info line, 417-269-INFO (4636).

Swearengin, VP of Customer Experience at Cox, said the line, a central place where people can find Cox-affiliated doctors, has been around for a few years, but not everyone is aware of it.

The line is staffed by a team that works with each caller to “help them find a primary care doctor, understand their specific needs and connect them to the right place,” Swearengin said.

Mercy also has a welcome line that people can call to schedule an appointment with a PCP: 417-888-8888.

Both systems also offer patients the ability to schedule appointments online. Mercy has a scheduling page for various services, as does Cox.

How can I be sure that a healthcare provider is listening to me?

It’s important to find a healthcare provider who is willing to work with you, whether it’s learning about conditions like diabetes, managing chronic conditions, or dealing with aging.

The best thing you can do when looking for providers is to ask questions about their experience with situations like yours. Additionally, the CoxHealth Helpline can help you find a provider that is right for you.

More: Springfield-Greene County Health Department to Relocate Again Later This Month

“We can help people get where they need to be, based on their unique needs,” Swearengin said.

For those in the LGBTQ+ community, lgbtqhealthcaredirectory.org provides listings of physicians who are knowledgeable and attentive to the health needs of that population.

How do I know if the GP I am considering is part of the network?

A provider who is “in network” with your insurance means the provider has a contract with your insurance plan. In-network providers and facilities “must meet certain accreditation requirements and agree to accept a discounted rate for covered services under the health plan in order to be part of the network,” according to insurance provider Cigna. An out-of-network provider does not have a contract with your insurance plan and may charge full price.

There are a number of different ways to determine whether the GP you want to visit is in your network:

  • Go to your insurance company’s website: The easiest way to find out if a provider is in-network is to go to your insurance company’s website and log in. You can also follow the prompts (some insurers ask for your zip code and part of your group number) to see a list of in-network providers.
  • Call Member Services: You can contact your insurance company’s member service. This number is usually on your insurance card and is free. They can answer all your questions about your insurance and coverage.
  • Ask your healthcare provider:Your GP may be able to tell you whether they accept your insurance by looking at your insurance card.

Additionally, even if your insurance listing says a doctor is accepting new patients, it’s probably a good idea to call and check with the provider’s office. Sometimes insurance providers don’t have the most up-to-date information about a PCP’s scheduling.

Susan Szuch covers health and nutrition for the Springfield News-Leader. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter, at @szuchsm. Have a story idea? Email her at [email protected].

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