Primary care resources

How do I get a Primary Care Physician if I don't have one?

To make your follow-up appointment and/or obtain a PCP, visit www.zocdoc.com. Select "Primary Care Doctor" from the menu, input your zip code and insurance type. You will be directed to a list of available doctors and their next available appointment. You can book your appointment directly online. If you'd prefer to call dial 1-855-962-3621. Be sure to bring your emergency department discharge instructions with you to your PCP or specialist follow-up appointment.

What if I don't have insurance or have a hard time paying for my health care?

If you are a D.C. resident, you can obtain insurance by visiting www.dchealthlink.com or by calling 1-855-532-5465. If you qualify for Medicaid, a health insurance program based on income, you can enroll at any time.

The District has a variety of excellent low-cost or free primary care centers available for emergency department followup visits, chronic medical problems (like high blood pressure, depression, HIV, high cholesterol, etc.), mental and dental health issues:

Unity Health Care accepts all patients regardless of ability to pay. They have many locations throughout D.C. For an appointment, please call 202-469-4699. Visit http://www.unityhealthcare.org/HealthCenters.html for information.

Bread for the City offers primary care services for uninsured and low-income children and adults. Please call 202-386-7020 at 9:00 a.m. Monday-Thursday for a new patient appointment.

Community of Hope offers primary care, dental services and pregnancy care in three D.C. locations. Please visit http://www.communityofhopedc.org/healthcare/hours for a list of locations and appointment hours.

La Clínica del Pueblo offers many health services regardless of ability to pay, including primary care, substance abuse and mental health. Spanish language services are always available. Call 202-462-4788 to schedule a new patient appointment.

Mary's Center Call 202-483-8196 or online at www.maryscenter.org, click on How to Make an Appointment. Mary’s Center accepts phone calls from 8:00am until 6:30pm, Monday through Saturday. For a dental appointment, call 1-800-508-8081.

So Others Might Eat (S.O.M.E.) provides many services from primary care to substance abuse treatment. For a health appointment, call 202-797-8806, extension 1042. Visit http://some.org/services/ for a full listing of services.

The D.C. Health Alliance has a program for those without health insurance and do not qualify for Medicaid regardless of citizenship. Please call 202-727-5355 to find out how and where to sign up.

For these and other resources for low-cost or free health care please visit the District of Columbia Primary Care Association at http://www.dcpca.org/