Choosing a Physician Check with your insurance plan to find out if you have to choose a physician from its list. To find out (and get a list), call: – the insurance representative for your company; or – the plan's local office Ask people you trust which physician they recommend and/or call the Academy’s referral line at 804.643.6631. Check each physician's credentials. The Academy can give you information on its members. Simply call us at 804.643.6631.  Additionally, the Virginia Board of Medicine can provide background information about Virginia physicians. Set up a "get acquainted" appointment with the physicians you are considering. Take this opportunity to find out if the office staff is courteous, if appointments run on schedule, if the physician is caring and attentive, if you share the same values, and if this is someone you can comfortably talk to about personal problems. Questions to Think About What doctors are covered by your insurance? What are the doctor’s qualifications? Do you and the doctor communicate well? Can this doctor provide what you require from your primary care physician?