New Patient Visit in NYC: FAQs
Finding a new primary care doctor in NYC can feel overwhelming, especially when insurance networks change. At Atrium Medical Primary Care (Midtown Manhattan), we make it easy to establish care, transfer records, and get a PCP relationship that actually works in real life.
Below are answers to the most common questions we hear from new patients.
Are you accepting new patients?
Yes. Atrium Medical Primary Care is currently welcoming new patients.
Do you accept Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)?
Yes, we accept Blue Cross Blue Shield for primary care visits (coverage varies by plan). If you’re unsure whether we are in-network for your specific BCBS plan, our team can help you confirm.
My BCBS primary care doctor just went out of network. What should I do?
This has become increasingly common in NYC. If your PCP is no longer in-network, the fastest path is:
Book a new patient visit with an in-network primary care office
Transfer your medical records
Update your “PCP of record” with your insurance (if required by your plan)
If you’re looking for a new in-network primary care doctor in NYC, you can call us and we’ll get you scheduled quickly.
If my PCP was at Mount Sinai and is now out-of-network with BCBS, can I switch to Atrium?
Yes. If you previously received care at Mount Sinai and need a new in-network PCP, Atrium can become your new primary care home.
We routinely help patients transition from large health systems and make the switch as smooth as possible.
How do I choose a primary care doctor in NYC?
NYC has no shortage of “primary care,” but the details matter. Below are the key considerations that you should think about.
What do the credentials mean: MD vs PA vs NP vs DO?
Not all clinicians have the same training pathway. When choosing your primary care provider, it is important to understand what these degrees mean.
MD (Doctor of Medicine)
This is the traditional medical degree and the most widely recognized training pathway for physicians.
PA (Physician Assistant)
PAs are licensed medical professionals who diagnose and treat patients, often working closely with physicians. Many PAs are excellent clinicians and play a critical role in modern healthcare.
NP (Nurse Practitioner)
NPs are advanced practice nurses with additional clinical training. They can evaluate patients, diagnose conditions, and prescribe medications in most states.
DO (Doctor of Osteopathy)
Historically, osteopathic medicine originated with the idea that musculoskeletal structure and manual manipulation were central to health. However, modern DO training overlaps heavily with MD training. That said, DO programs typically have (on average) lower admissions metrics (such as GPA and standardized test scores) than MD programs.
As always, a degree is one input. Individual clinicians vary widely in skill, judgment, and bedside manner.
What else should I look for when choosing a PCP?
In our view, these are the most important practical considerations:
1) Credentials and licensing
Your PCP should be appropriately licensed and trained, and you should feel comfortable with their background.
2) Is there a real clinical team?
A strong practice should have a team that can help you even when your usual clinician is out sick, in surgery, or on vacation.
3) Continuity of care
Will you be able to see the same clinician over time, or will you be rotated through whoever is available (as is common in many urgent care-style models)?
4) Access and communication
Can you get appointments without waiting weeks? Can you reach the office reliably?
5) Telehealth availability
Sometimes a problem doesn’t require an in-person visit. Telemedicine can be an important convenience factor.
6) In-house labs and preventive services
Does the office offer blood draws, testing, and preventive care in a streamlined way? Convenience matters.
7) Specialist referrals and care coordination
A strong PCP is often a “quarterback” who can coordinate with specialists and help guide next steps.
I’m healthy and barely need a doctor. If I get sick, I can just go to urgent care. Why do I need a PCP?
This is a great question, and many healthy adults in NYC feel this way.
Urgent care is useful for short-term issues. But a primary care doctor does things urgent care generally does not:
Tracks your health over time (labs, blood pressure, trends)
Identifies preventable problems early (before symptoms)
Coordinates referrals and makes sure nothing falls through the cracks
Ensures the right screening tests happen at the right time (not too early, not too late)
Provides continuity and context: your history matters
Even if you only see your PCP once a year, that relationship can save time, money, and stress when something changes.
What is a “new patient visit”?
A new patient visit is the first visit where we establish care. It typically includes:
Medical history review
Medication review
Review of prior diagnoses and specialist care
Discussion of current concerns
Planning next steps: labs, imaging, referrals, prevention
What should I bring to my first visit?
To make your first visit efficient, please bring:
Government-issued photo ID
Insurance card
List of medications (including doses)
Any supplements you take
Any recent labs or imaging results (if available)
Names of any specialists you see
Pharmacy name and location
If you do not have records yet, that is okay: we can still start care.
What happens if I don’t have my medical records yet?
That’s common. We can still see you.
If needed, we can:
Start care based on your history and symptoms
Order updated baseline labs
Request records after the visit
How does medical record transfer work?
Record transfer is usually straightforward:
You sign a “Release of Information” form (ROI)
Your prior PCP or hospital sends records to our office (electronically or by fax)
We review and incorporate them into your chart
Some health systems send records quickly; others take longer.
Can Atrium request records from my previous PCP or hospital?
Yes. In many cases, we can help you request records. We can also give you the exact wording you need if you prefer to request them directly.
How long does it take to transfer records?
It depends on the institution, but typical timelines are:
Fast: 2–7 business days
Common: 1–3 weeks
Slow systems:Â up to 30 days
If time-sensitive information is needed urgently, we may recommend you also obtain key records directly (for example: recent labs, imaging reports, or specialist notes).
Will you refill prescriptions while my records are being transferred?
Often yes, depending on the medication and clinical context. Some prescriptions require documentation, an exam, or follow-up labs. We handle this case-by-case with safety as the priority.
Do you offer telehealth visits?
Yes. Telehealth is available when clinically appropriate.
Do you help with referrals to specialists?
Yes. We routinely coordinate care with specialists across NYC and help patients navigate referrals efficiently.
How do I schedule a new patient visit?
To schedule:
Call our office
Or book online through our appointment system
If you are switching PCPs because your doctor went out-of-network, tell our team and we will prioritize getting you in quickly.
