When was the last time you saw a doctor? If you’re like many people in Syracuse, it might have been years. Maybe you moved to the area and never found a new doctor. Maybe your previous doctor retired. Or maybe you’ve just been putting it off because finding a doctor feels overwhelming.
Here’s the truth: having a primary care doctor is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Studies show that people with a regular doctor live longer, manage chronic conditions better, and catch serious health problems earlier when they’re easier to treat.
The good news? Finding a primary care doctor in Syracuse doesn’t have to be complicated. And Syracuse Community Health makes it even easier—we have over 40 primary care providers accepting new patients right now, with same-week appointments available.
Let’s walk through everything you need to know about choosing a primary care doctor and getting established with care that works for you.
What Does a Primary Care Doctor Do?
Think of your primary care doctor as your home base for healthcare. They’re the person who:
Provides Preventive Care:
Your primary care doctor helps you stay healthy before problems start:
- Annual physical exams and wellness visits
- Cancer screenings (mammograms, colonoscopies, skin checks)
- Blood pressure and cholesterol monitoring
- Diabetes screening
- Immunizations and vaccines
- Health counseling (diet, exercise, stress management)
Regular checkups catch problems early when they’re easiest and cheapest to treat.
Treats Acute Illnesses:
When you get sick, your primary care doctor is your first call:
- Colds, flu, and respiratory infections
- Ear infections and sore throats
- Urinary tract infections
- Skin rashes and minor injuries
- Stomach bugs and digestive issues
- Headaches and body aches
Most health problems can be handled by your primary care doctor without needing specialists.
Manages Chronic Conditions:
If you have ongoing health issues, your primary care doctor coordinates your care:
- Diabetes management
- High blood pressure control
- Asthma and COPD
- Heart disease
- Arthritis
- Thyroid disorders
- Mental health conditions
They track your progress, adjust medications, and help you manage your condition long-term.
Coordinates Specialist Care:
When you do need a specialist, your primary care doctor:
- Provides referrals
- Shares your medical history
- Coordinates between specialists
- Helps you understand treatment options
- Follows up on specialist recommendations
They make sure all your care providers are working together for your health.
Builds a Relationship With You:
Most importantly, your primary care doctor gets to know you over time:
- Understands your health history
- Knows your family medical background
- Recognizes changes in your health
- Provides personalized health advice
- Answers your questions without judgment
This ongoing relationship is invaluable for your long-term health.
Types of Primary Care Providers at Syracuse Community Health
At Syracuse Community Health, you’ll see different titles after providers’ names—MD, DO, NP, PA. What do they mean, and does it matter which type of provider you see?
Family Medicine Doctors (MD or DO):
Medical Doctors (MDs) and Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) completed medical school and family medicine residency training.
They provide care for:
- All ages (newborns through seniors)
- Both men and women
- Comprehensive family health needs
Examples of our family medicine doctors: Dr. Nozima Akbarova, Dr. Rosalyn Akukalia, Dr. Urva Barot, Dr. Shramika Pokharel
Nurse Practitioners (NP):
Nurse Practitioners have advanced nursing degrees (Master’s or Doctorate) and specialized training in primary care. Many have decades of clinical experience.
They can:
- Diagnose and treat illnesses
- Order tests and X-rays
- Prescribe medications
- Provide all the services of a family doctor
Examples of our nurse practitioners: Dana Beebe FNP, Laura Sucapani FNP, and many more across our five locations
Physician Assistants (PAs):
Physician Assistants have Master’s degrees in medicine and work collaboratively with our physician team.
They provide:
- Complete primary care services
- Acute and chronic disease management
- Preventive care and health education
- Treatment and prescriptions
Does It Matter Which Type of Provider I See?
The short answer: No. All our primary care providers deliver the same high-quality, comprehensive care. They all:
- Can be your primary care provider
- Diagnose and treat health conditions
- Prescribe medications
- Order tests and imaging
- Provide preventive care
Choose based on availability, location, and who you feel comfortable with—not by the letters after their name.
What to Look for When Choosing a Primary Care Doctor
With over 40 providers at Syracuse Community Health, how do you choose? Here are the factors that matter most:
1. Location & Convenience
Five locations across Syracuse:
- 930 S. Salina Street – Comprehensive Care Center (our largest facility)
- 819 S. Salina Street – Quick Care plus primary care
- 1120 E. Fayette Street – Neighborhood location (East Side)
- 2020 Oswego Street – Community clinic (North Side)
- Onondaga Community College – Student and community health
Consider:
- Which location is closest to your home or work?
- Is parking available?
- Is it on a bus route?
- What are the clinic hours?
Having a doctor near you makes it easier to keep appointments and get care when you need it.
2. Insurance Accepted
Syracuse Community Health accepts:
✓ Medicaid (HealthFirst, Fidelis, United Healthcare Community Plan, Molina, and all NY Medicaid plans)
✓ Medicare
✓ Most major commercial insurance (Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, MVP, Aetna, and more)
✓ No insurance (sliding fee scale based on income)
Call 315-476-7921 to verify we accept your specific insurance plan.
3. Language Spoken
We serve Syracuse’s diverse community with Spanish-speaking providers and interpretation services for other languages.
Spanish-speaking providers available – just let us know your preference when scheduling.
Need interpretation in another language? We provide professional medical interpreters at no cost to you. Languages available include:
- Arabic
- Somali
- Nepali
- Vietnamese
- And many others
4. Specialization & Focus Areas
While all our primary care providers offer comprehensive care, some have additional expertise:
- Women’s health focus (prenatal care, gynecology, family planning)
- Pediatric expertise (if you have children)
- Geriatric experience (for older adults)
- Behavioral health integration (mental health plus medical care)
- Chronic disease management (diabetes, heart disease specialists)
Let us know if you have specific health concerns, and we’ll match you with a provider experienced in that area.
5. Personality & Communication Style
This one’s personal. Some patients want:
- A provider who explains everything in detail
- Someone warm and conversational
- Direct, efficient visits
- Extra time to ask questions
During your first visit, you’ll get a sense of your provider’s style. If it’s not a good fit, you can always request a different provider—no hurt feelings.
Meet Our Primary Care Team
At Syracuse Community Health, we have a diverse team of experienced providers who share one thing in common: a commitment to serving our Syracuse community with compassionate, excellent care.
Our Providers Include:
Family Medicine Physicians:
- Comprehensive care for all ages
- Residency-trained in family medicine
- Both MD and DO physicians are on staff
Experienced Nurse Practitioners:
- Decades of combined clinical experience
- Specialized in primary care, women’s health, and family planning
- Build long-term relationships with patients
Dedicated Physician Assistants:
- Work collaboratively across our locations
- Provide thorough, patient-centered care
- Strong focus on prevention and wellness
Want to learn more about specific providers? Visit our “Meet Our Providers” page on our website to see photos, credentials, and specialties. You can also ask our scheduling staff for recommendations based on your needs.
Services Offered by Syracuse Community Health Primary Care
When you establish care with us, you get access to comprehensive services all under one roof:
Preventive & Wellness Care:
- Annual physical exams
- Well-woman exams
- Well-child visits
- Sports physicals
- Immunizations (flu shots, COVID vaccines, childhood vaccines)
- Cancer screenings (cervical, breast, colon)
- Cardiovascular risk screening
- Diabetes screening
Chronic Disease Management:
- Diabetes care
- Hypertension (high blood pressure) management
- Asthma and COPD care
- Heart disease management
- Arthritis treatment
- Thyroid disorders
- Obesity and weight management
Acute Illness Treatment:
- Cold and flu
- Infections (respiratory, urinary, skin)
- Strep throat and sore throats
- Ear infections
- Sinus infections
- Minor injuries
- Stomach issues
Additional Services:
- On-site laboratory – Blood work done during your visit
- X-ray services – Imaging available at select locations
- Medication management – Prescription review and assistance
- Referrals to specialists – Coordinated specialty care when needed
- Care coordination – Help navigating the healthcare system
Integrated Services Available:
Because we’re a comprehensive health center, we can also connect you with:
- Dental care (cleanings, fillings, extractions)
- Vision services (eye exams, glasses)
- Behavioral health (counseling, mental health, addiction treatment)
- Women’s health & OB (pregnancy care, family planning, gynecology)
- Pediatric care (specialized care for children)
Everything you need in one place, with all your providers working together.
How to Schedule Your First Appointment
Ready to establish care? Here’s exactly what to do:
Step 1: Call Us
📞 315-476-7921
When you call, let us know:
- “I’d like to become a new patient.”
- Your preferred location
- Any specific provider preferences (language, specialty, gender)
- Your insurance (or that you need sliding fee scale information)
- How soon do you need to be seen
Same-week appointments are usually available. If you have urgent needs, let us know—we’ll do our best to get you in quickly.
Step 2: Complete Your Forms Before You Arrive
Save time by completing your new patient registration forms before your first visit.
Download forms from our website:
- New patient registration
- Medical history questionnaire
- Consent for treatment
- Release of medical records (if transferring care)
- Sliding fee scale application (if needed)
Forms available in English and Spanish.
Can’t access forms online? No problem—arrive 15 minutes early to complete them at the clinic.
Step 3: Gather What You’ll Need
Bring to your first appointment:
✓ Photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport)
✓ Insurance card (if you have insurance)
✓ List of current medications (including vitamins and supplements)
✓ List of allergies (medications, foods, environmental)
✓ Recent medical records (if you have them)
✓ Pharmacy information (where you fill prescriptions)
✓ Income documentation (if applying for sliding fee scale)
✓ List of questions for your doctor
Don’t have everything on this list? Come anyway. We’ll work with what you have.
What Happens at Your First Visit?
Nervous about your first appointment? Here’s exactly what to expect:
Check-In (15 minutes before appointment):
- Arrive 15 minutes early
- Bring your completed forms and required documents
- Our friendly front desk staff will check you in
- Verify your insurance or discuss sliding fee scale options
Vital Signs (5-10 minutes):
A medical assistant will:
- Take your blood pressure
- Check your weight and height
- Measure your temperature
- Record your pulse
Medical History Review (10-15 minutes):
Your provider will review:
- Your medical history form
- Current symptoms or concerns
- Past illnesses and surgeries
- Family medical history
- Current medications and allergies
- Lifestyle factors (diet, exercise, smoking, alcohol)
This is your chance to share anything affecting your health.
Physical Exam (10-20 minutes):
Depending on your age and concerns, this may include:
- Listening to your heart and lungs
- Checking your reflexes
- Examining your abdomen
- Looking in your ears, nose, and throat
- Checking lymph nodes
- Skin examination
- Other exam components as needed
Your provider will explain what they’re doing and why.
Discussion & Care Plan (10-15 minutes):
Your provider will:
- Address your health concerns
- Explain any findings
- Order tests if needed (blood work, x-rays)
- Write prescriptions if appropriate
- Provide health education
- Discuss follow-up plans
- Answer your questions
Check-Out:
- Schedule any needed follow-up appointments
- Pick up prescriptions or lab orders
- Make payment arrangements if needed
- Get contact information for questions
Most first appointments take 45-60 minutes total. Subsequent visits are usually shorter.
Frequently Asked Questions About Primary Care at Syracuse Community Health
“Can I see the same doctor every time?”
Yes! Continuity of care is important to us. When you establish care with a primary care provider, you’ll see them for all your appointments whenever possible. If your provider is unavailable, another member of our team can see you and will have access to your medical records.
“Do you accept walk-ins?”
Our Quick Care location at 819 S. Salina Street accepts walk-ins for urgent issues. For routine primary care appointments at all locations, we recommend calling to schedule. This ensures you get the time and attention you deserve.
“Can my whole family see the same doctor?”
Absolutely! Our family medicine providers care for all ages—from newborns to grandparents. Many Syracuse families have multiple generations all seeing the same provider at Syracuse Community Health.
“What if I need to see a specialist?”
If you need specialty care (cardiology, orthopedics, endocrinology, etc.), your primary care provider will:
- Determine what specialist you need
- Provide a referral
- Share your medical records with the specialist
- Coordinate your care
- Follow up on specialist recommendations
We have strong relationships with specialists throughout Syracuse and Central New York.
“Do you offer telehealth appointments?”
Yes, we offer telehealth (virtual) appointments for appropriate situations, such as:
- Follow-up visits
- Medication management
- Mental health counseling
- Some acute illness visits
- Chronic disease check-ins
Ask when scheduling if your appointment can be done via telehealth.
“What if I can’t afford my medications?”
We can help! Our providers can:
- Prescribe generic alternatives
- Connect you with prescription assistance programs
- Provide samples when available
- Work with your budget to find affordable options
Never skip medications because of cost—talk to your provider.
“How do I get my medical records from my previous doctor?”
Bring a signed release form to your first appointment, and we’ll request your records. You can also request records yourself and bring them to your visit. Having previous records helps us provide better care, but it’s not required to establish care as a patient.
Why Syracuse Chooses Syracuse Community Health
We’ve been serving Syracuse for over 40 years. Here’s why families keep choosing us:
✓ Comprehensive care – Medical, dental, vision, behavioral health under one roof
✓ Affordable – Sliding fee scale, accepts Medicaid and most insurance
✓ Accessible – Five locations, same-week appointments, extended hours
✓ Experienced providers – 70+ healthcare professionals who know Syracuse
✓ Community-focused – We’re here for everyone, regardless of ability to pay
✓ Culturally sensitive – Spanish-speaking providers, interpretation services
✓ Quality care – Meet federal FQHC standards for excellence
Don’t Wait to Establish Care
The best time to find a primary care doctor is before you’re sick. Establishing care now means:
- You have someone to call when you get sick
- You get preventive care to stay healthy
- Chronic conditions are caught early
- You build a relationship with a provider who knows you
- You avoid emergency room visits for problems your primary care doctor can handle
Over 40 providers. Five convenient locations. Same-week appointments available.
Schedule Your First Appointment Today
📞 Call: 315-476-7921
🏥 Choose from 5 Syracuse locations:
- 930 S. Salina Street (Comprehensive Care Center)
- 819 S. Salina Street (Quick Care + Primary Care)
- 1120 E. Fayette Street (East Side Location)
- 2020 Oswego Street (North Side Location)
- Onondaga Community College (Student & Community Health)
💚 New patients welcome – same-week appointments available
💰 All insurance accepted – sliding fee scale for uninsured
Take the first step toward better health. Your Syracuse primary care doctor is waiting to meet you.
Download new patient forms from our website to save time at your first visit.
Learn about our providers on our “Meet Our Providers” page.
Syracuse Community Health: Your partner in health. Serving Syracuse since 1978.
