What the Right Kind of Care Looks Like: A Guide for People with Medicare

Are you getting the right primary care?

If you’re turning 65 or already have Medicare, you may be navigating a confusing world of insurance plans, doctors and appointments. If you have a chronic or complex condition, or if you’ve ever felt like your concerns aren’t being heard, you’re not alone.

Many people feel overwhelmed trying to manage their health on their own. But there’s good news: the right primary care provider (PCP) can make all the difference.

Your PCP should be your partner in health

Think of your PCP as the doctor who knows you best. They’re your go-to for everything from annual check-ups to managing ongoing health conditions. A great PCP doesn’t just treat symptoms. They:

• Understand your health history and lifestyle
• Help coordinate your care across specialists
• Support your health goals, whether that’s reducing medications or staying active
• Respect your time, your background and your voice

Why primary care matters

According to the Forbes, having strong primary care leads to:

• Better health outcomes
• Lower healthcare costs
• Greater equity in access and treatment

A good PCP keeps you at the center of care. They connect the dots between your body, your life and your long-term health.

How can you tell if your PCP is the right fit? Ask yourself these questions.

Is your PCP personal?

Too often, healthcare feels rushed and impersonal. You may feel like a number instead of a person. But great PCPs take the time to learn about:

• Your personal story
• Your family situation
• Your goals and values

For example, do they understand that your independence matters to you? That you’d like to avoid certain medications? That you want to stay active enough to garden or play with grandkids?

The best PCPs treat you like a whole person—not just a diagnosis.

Does your PCP listen to you?

When you speak, does your doctor listen or do they interrupt and rush you along?

Listening isn’t just polite. It’s essential for good care and promotes healing and builds trust. And trust matters.

Patients may even value soft skills like compassion and listening more than medical knowledge. Here are signs your doctor is really listening:

• They let you finish your thoughts
• They make eye contact and take notes
• They ask follow-up questions
• They explain things in a way that makes sense to you

Do you feel heard when you leave your appointment? If not, it may be time for a change.

Do you get both quality and time?

Many people are frustrated by long wait times and short appointments. It’s not uncommon to wait weeks for an appointment, only to see the doctor for less than 15 minutes.

According to ECG Management Consultants, the average wait for a new patient appointment in 2025 was 29–31 days. And a recent study found that primary care physicians spent an average of 18.9 minutes per visit.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Some PCPs design their practice to:

• Keep the number of patients they manage small
• Spend more time per visit
• Offer same- or next-day appointments
• Reduce time spent in the waiting room

You deserve a doctor who makes time for you, not one who treats you like you’re on a stopwatch.

Is your PCP focused on older adults?

Not all primary care doctors are experienced in working with Medicare patients or older adults. And that can make a big difference.

PCPs who understand aging:

• Know how medications affect older adults differently
• Are more aware of age-related risks like falls or memory changes
• Can help you balance care with quality of life
• Don’t rush to prescribe unnecessary treatments

They also know that ageism is real. Some doctors unintentionally overlook or dismiss older patients’ concerns. A PCP who specializes in senior care will take your concerns seriously and treat you with respect.

Does your PCP’s office work for you?

The right environment matters. A senior-friendly office might include:

• Lower exam tables for easier transfers
• Wider hallways for walkers or wheelchairs
• Handrails and slip-resistant floors

These aren’t extras. They’re essentials for people who want to stay mobile and independent.

Is your PCP tech-friendly—in a helpful way?

Technology can make your healthcare easier. But only if it works for you.

Helpful tech from your PCP might include:

• Online appointment scheduling
• Virtual visits when you’re too tired or busy to go in
• Access to your test results or medical history online
• Reminders via phone, text or email

The right tech should support your care, not make it more complicated.

Does your PCP support whole-person care?

Your health isn’t just about blood pressure and lab results. It’s also about how you eat, move, rest and connect with others. Some PCPs offer services that treat you as a whole person, such as:

• Onsite lab work for convenience
• Health coaching
• Mental health support
• Nutrition counseling

If you have diabetes, heart disease or other chronic conditions, this kind of support can be a game-changer.

Here’s what to look for:

• Are you encouraged to ask questions?
• Do you feel like a partner in your care?
• Are your preferences and lifestyle taken into account?

Feeling heard and supported can help you stay on track with your health.

What to do if your PCP isn’t a great fit

Healthcare should never make you feel small or overwhelmed. You deserve care that respects your time, your voice and your health goals.

With the right PCP, you can feel confident, respected and cared for. If your current provider isn’t meeting your needs, it may be time to look for one who does.

Want to learn more about finding the right kind of care? Visit the Our Care page to explore resources and to find a provider who puts you first.