Many men start by seeing one of the providers listed below.  Depending on your health insurance coverage, you may need a referral to see certain specialists.  Contact your insurance plan for specifics.

Primary Care Physician/Pediatrician

A primary care physician (PCP) provides preventive care and basic diagnoses of common illnesses and medical conditions.  PCPs are also referred to as internists and sometimes even family practitioners or family physicians.  For children and teenage boys, their PCP is their pediatrician.  Learn more about these different types of providers.

Healthcare providers on campus

If you are currently enrolled in college, many college and university campuses have a campus health center, with a variety of healthcare providers, such as internists, for students to see.  Campuses without their own clinics often have a student health services team that can locate the healthcare providers you need.

Here are some considerations when choosing a provider:

• How long has the provider been in practice?
• Where did the provider receive training?
• Is the provider board certified?
• Has the provider diagnosed or cared for other men with bleeding symptoms?
• Is the provider someone you feel comfortable asking even the most private questions?
• Do the office hours work with your schedule?
• Is the office conveniently located near your home, school or work?
• Is the provider accepting new patients?
• Is the provider covered by your insurance?

Many men find a provider by contacting their insurance company and by getting recommendations from friends, family or coworkers.

Through Your Insurance

Since it is so important to make sure your insurance covers the provider of your choice, it is often easiest to search for a provider directly through your insurance company. You can do so by calling the number on your insurance card. Also,  most insurance companies have online listings of providers covered in their plans on their websites. Make sure you understand your particular insurance plan and ask about any related costs that seeing a specific provider might incur (i.e., premiums, copayments, deductibles, co-insurance, in-network versus out-of-network coverage).

Through Recommendations

While it is can be helpful to get feedback on healthcare providers from people you know, make sure the provider is covered by your insurance and meets all of your specific needs.

Before making your appointment or visiting your doctor, it is important to find out what your insurance does and does not cover. Once you visit your doctor and find out more about any potential lab tests that need to be run or referrals for other healthcare professionals, you may need to follow up with your insurance company again to confirm coverage. Here are some potential questions to ask your insurance company:

• Is the healthcare provider in network?
• Do I need a referral to see a specialist (i.e., a hematologist)?
• What services and/or lab tests require preauthorization?
• Will my prescriptions be covered?

Before visiting your healthcare provider, it can be helpful to prepare by writing down your answers to the questions below in as much detail as you can.  Some people find it useful to have a notebook so each time you experience a bleeding symptom, you can write it down in one spot.  This will help you and your healthcare provider in discussing what steps to take next.

• What are your bleeding symptoms (for example, nosebleeds, bruises, etc)?
• When did your symptoms begin?
• What lead to these symptoms?
• How frequent are your symptoms?
• Make note of your energy level.  When was it high? When was it low?
• Do your symptoms interfere with your daily life?
• Are you taking any prescription or nonprescription medications (for example, aspirin or ibuprofen, or others)?

Being prepared for visit also means coming with a list of questions you may have for your provider about your symptoms and care.  Make sure to come up with your own questions but here is a list of helpful ones to get you started:

• Will any diagnostic tests be run? If yes, which ones? When will I find out the results?
• If lab work will be done, which lab is used? How can I find out if the lab is covered by my insurance?
• Is there anything I should do to prepare for the lab tests?
• Will I need to be referred to a specialist for testing and diagnosis?
• What if my labs don't show anything? Do any get repeated?
• How long will it take to get a diagnosis? What are the steps?
• Are there any activities I should avoid or modify?
• What do you think may be the underlying cause of my symptoms?
• How can I manage my pain/symptoms while I wait for a diagnosis?
• [If healthcare provider prescribes treatment] Does this treatment plan address any underlying causes or just the symptoms?
• Are there any medications that I should avoid due to my diagnosis or treatment plan?

You can also get more information on men's health issues and how to find care through the following resources:

CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Men's Health

CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Men's Health Links

Men's Health Resource Center, MHRC

Men's Health Network, MHN