How to choose and establish care

with a new primary care provider

Choosing a new primary care provider (PCP) is one of the most important steps you can take to support your longterm health. Whether you’re new to our system or simply want to transition to a different clinician, we’re here to make the process smooth, informed, and comfortable.

Finding the Right Provider for You

Your first step is deciding what type of primary care best fits your needs. We offer both Family Medicine and Internal Medicine providers:

  • Family Medicine clinicians care for patients of all ages — from newborns to older adults. They provide comprehensive, personal care that’s based on your health history and current circumstances. They’re a great choice for comprehensive care, or if you prefer one provider for your entire family.
  • Internal Medicine clinicians specialize in adult care, with a particular focus on chronic conditions and more complex medical histories.

You can browse provider options through our website, via pickup cards in the clinic, or by calling the Northfield Clinic: 507-646-1494. 

Many patients also like to consider personal preferences — such as whether they’d feel more comfortable with a male or female provider, or what kind of communication style they prefer. Our team is always happy to share information about each provider’s background and approach to care.

 

Scheduling Your First Appointment

Once you’ve chosen a provider, the next step is scheduling your first visit. Some patients need an appointment right away for a specific concern; others simply want to establish care for future needs, such as an annual physical. Either way, we’ll help you get set up.

If you’re brand new to NH+C, we typically schedule your first appointment a few weeks out. This gives us time to request your medical records from outside organizations so your provider has a complete picture of your health from day one.

If you have been seeing a Jefferson Road Clinic provider under Allina Health and want to switch to a new provider at NH+C, we’ll book your visit with your new provider a few weeks ahead to allow time for record transfer. 

If you’re already an NH+C patient and simply switching to a different NH+C provider, the transition is even smoother — we already have your records on file.

You can schedule by phone:

  • Northfield Clinic providers: 507-646-1494 

  • Jefferson Road Clinic providers: During Aug. 5-Sept. 18, call 507-646-6300 for appointments starting in late September. After Sept. 18, the clinic phone number returns to 507-663-9000.

     

If you plan to keep seeing your current provider in the Jefferson Road Clinic, you do not need to do anything different. 

Use the same phone number to schedule appointments: 507-663-9000. 

See your provider at the same clinic building at 1400 Jefferson Road. 

Your provider has your records. 

 

What you’ll need when scheduling your first appointment

When you schedule, please have your insurance information ready. We’ll also collect basic demographic details including your name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, and preferred contact information.

At your first appointment, please bring:

  • Your insurance card
  • A photo ID
  • Any paperwork we’ve asked you to complete

If you’re coming in for a specific concern, your provider will focus on that issue. If you’re here for a physical or general wellness visit, expect a review of your overall health history and a full physical exam.

 

Accessing Specialty Care

Start by checking whether your insurance carrier requires a referral. Call the number on your insurance card. 

Our patient services representatives and referral specialists can help you understand what each specialist offers. You can also explore this information on our website.

One important note: Some specialty services are provided by partner organizations, such as Minneapolis Heart Institute. These services may not be billed through NH+C, so it’s essential to confirm coverage with your insurance plan before scheduling.