So, you’ve decided that you want to see a healthcare provider. Once you know which kind of provider you’d like to see, and where to go to see them, the next step is making an appointment. Scheduling a healthcare appointment can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to. We’ll walk you through how to make appointments that fit your needs, so that you get the most out of your Oscar plan.
When it comes to scheduling an appointment, there are a few important steps:
1. Have a go-to primary care provider. A primary care provider (PCP) is a provider who’s always in your corner. They get to know you, so that when you need care, they have context about your health and history. Once you have a PCP, you won’t have to worry about who to schedule an appointment with when something comes up (unless it’s an emergency).
If you don’t have a PCP yet, it’s best to find one and schedule an appointment with them while you’re feeling well. That way, you’ll have someone to call when you need care. New patients usually need longer appointments, which makes it a little harder for PCPs to squeeze them in. Make sure to plan ahead and schedule this visit in advance, instead of waiting until the last minute.
2. Decide if you need a medical doctor. Nurse practitioners or physician assistants in your PCP’s office will often be able to help you with what you need. This is especially true when it comes to routine things like allergy treatment or vaccinations. These providers may be easier to get appointments with than medical doctors, and they’ll coordinate with your primary doctor as needed.
3. Try Oscar’s Virtual Urgent Care. You have access to providers 24/7 with Oscar’s Virtual Urgent Care. It’s a great way to get the care you need, fast. Talk to a doctor about things like cold or flu symptoms, mild COVID, or even prescription refills – in as little as 15 minutes! It’s a great way to supplement the care you get from your primary care physician. Log in to your Oscar member account at to schedule an appointment.