Compare care. Finding a good primary care team is the first step in getting high-quality care. Go to the Community Checkup to “shop” for a clinic or hospital by comparing how they rate on quality measures that matter to you.

Make an informed choice. After you’ve looked at options on the website, contact the clinic and ask questions to see if it would be a good fit.

• Does it accept your insurance?
• Do the providers have expertise in the health areas that matter to you or your family?
• Do they offer hours that are convenient to you?
• Is the doctor you’re interested in accepting new patients?

Get the right amount of care. You can get too little care, and you can also get too much. For example, many people don’t get regular screenings, which can detect disease earlier. Unnecessary care costs money and can be harmful. Getting tests or treatments you don’t need puts you at risk for side effects, to say nothing of higher medical bills.

Work with your doctor to make decisions about your care. If your doctor recommends a procedure or test, ask questions, such as:

• Do I really need this test or procedure?
• What are the downsides?
• Are there simpler, safer options?
• What happens if I do nothing?
• How much does it cost?

Know you have options. If your expectations aren’t being met, talk to your doctor about your concerns. And if necessary, look for a new doctor.