Organize your search for a local medical practice, check the exact office and plan ahead for records, access and follow-up.
Start with the office you will actually visit
A health system can have several offices with different services. VCU Health’s location finder lets you search by location name and filter the results. Use the actual appointment address when checking travel, parking and accessibility. Do not assume that a downtown hospital and a suburban clinic provide the same appointment options.
Make a short comparison sheet
For each practice, record the clinician, location, service requested, new-patient process and the contact person who answered your questions. Ask the practice and your insurer to confirm participation in your exact plan. Record any referral requirements, expected appointment costs and the cancellation policy before booking.
Check professional information
The Virginia Department of Health Professions provides a license lookup and consumer resources. Search the individual practitioner, check that you have the correct person and use the relevant professional board for questions about the record. A license check is one part of choosing a practice; it does not establish that the office is accepting patients or participating in your insurance.
Arrange records and follow-up
Ask your former and new practices how to transfer records securely. Keep questions, medication information and referral paperwork ready through the office’s approved process. Before the visit ends, confirm who will contact you about results, how to ask follow-up questions and which office to call after hours. Do not send medical records through Richmond Authority’s general contact inbox.