How to Register
Confirming Your Identity
What is a Primary Care Provider?
Types of Primary Care Providers
We hope you find the answers to your questions below, helping your visit be a pleasant, smooth one.
Registration/Office Visit
When I come to Southwest Health for an appointment, how do I register?
You may register:
- At the appointment desk, or
- Through the Kiosk, unless you are:
- More than 15 minutes early for your appointment, or
- More than 9 minutes late for your appointment
When I register, why am I asked to show my photo ID when it is already on file?
We ask all patients to show their photo ID when they register in order to:
- Protect your privacy: when you show us your photo ID, we are able to confirm your name, date of birth, and address without you having to share the information out loud.
- Confirm we are registering the correct patient
- Ensure that the registration process is streamlined, consistent, and confidential.
How is my photo ID used?
- Your photo ID is used for provider purposes only.
- Your provider uses your photo ID to confirm your identity before entering information or notes into your personal health file.
Why must I give my name and date of birth several times during an office visit?
We may ask your name and date of birth several times during an office visit in order to:
- Ensure your safety.
- Protect your privacy.
- Ensure that you receive the correct health care services.
- Ensure that our processes are streamlined, consistent, and confidential.
Providers at Southwest Health
What is a Primary Care Provider (PCP)?
- A primary care provider is the person you regularly see for your medical care.
- Learn more here about what a PCP is and why you should choose one.
What types of Primary Care Providers does Southwest Health have?
Southwest Health offers the following types of Primary Care Providers:
- Medical Doctor (MD): Practices allopathic medicine, which is the classical form of medicine. The focus is on the diagnosis and treatment of human diseases.
- Doctors of Osteopathy (DO): Practices osteopathic medicine, which is centered around a more holistic view of medicine. The focus is on seeing the patient as a “whole person” to reach a diagnosis, rather than treating the symptoms alone.
- Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C): A nationally-certified and state-licensed medical professional who practices medicine on healthcare teams with physicians and other providers.
- Advanced Practice Nurse Prescriber (APNP): The most highly trained type of registered nurse; works independently as a primary health care provider and can prescribe medications.
- Nurse Practitioner (NP): A type of Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioner who works independently as a primary health care provider.