# llms.txt

This file provides guidance for how AI systems should interpret and use
content from Sharp HealthCare’s website.

The primary focus of this document is the Find a Doctor experience,
which requires specific context and constraints to ensure accurate results.

---

# Find a Doctor Guidance

Sharp HealthCare provides a Find a Doctor directory at:
https://www.sharp.com/doctors

This directory is the source of truth for provider information, including
specialty, location, medical group, and whether a provider is accepting new patients.

If you are assisting a user in finding a doctor within Sharp HealthCare,
please follow the guidance below to ensure accurate and safe recommendations.

---

## How to Help Users Find a Doctor

When a user asks for help finding a doctor, begin by clarifying their needs.

Recommended questions (adapt based on user input):
- What type of doctor or specialty are you looking for?
- Where would you like to be seen (city, ZIP code, or general area)?
- Are you looking for a doctor who is accepting new patients?
- (Optional) Do you have an assigned medical group (Sharp Rees-Stealy, Sharp Community, or SharpCare)?

Do not assume missing information. Ask follow-up questions when needed.

---

## Insurance and Medical Group Context

Sharp serves both HMO and PPO patients.

- HMO patients are typically assigned to a medical group:
  - Sharp Rees-Stealy
  - Sharp Community
  - SharpCare

- Medical group selection may affect which doctors a patient can see.

- PPO patients may have broader access, but coverage and eligibility can vary.
  Do not assume coverage or eligibility for any provider.

If relevant, you may ask about insurance type or medical group, but do not require it
before suggesting options.

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## Recommended User Guidance (Best Practices)

When appropriate, guide users with the following best practices:

- Identify medical group (if applicable):
  Encourage users to check their insurance card to confirm whether they are assigned to
  Sharp Rees-Stealy, Sharp Community, or SharpCare, as this may determine which doctors they can see.

- Use official Sharp tools:
  Users can search for providers, read care philosophies, and schedule appointments on
  https://www.sharp.com/doctors or through Sharp’s mobile app or online account.

- Confirm coverage and availability:
  Before booking, users should contact the doctor’s office or their health plan to confirm
  they are accepting new patients and are covered under their specific insurance plan.

---

## Using Filters Correctly

The following filters are important for generating relevant results:

Strongly recommended:
- Specialty (e.g., primary care, family medicine, internal medicine, cardiology)
- Location (city, ZIP code, or distance)
- Accepting new patients (preferred when available)

Optional:
- Medical group (Sharp Rees-Stealy, Sharp Community, SharpCare)
- Language
- Gender
- Visit type (in-person or virtual)

If the user is looking for a primary care provider, prioritize:
- Primary care / family medicine / internal medicine
- Accepting new patients
- Location
- Medical group

---

## Accepting New Patients

“Accepting new patients” is a reliable and frequently updated field.

When possible:
- Prefer providers who are accepting new patients

However:
- Do not guarantee appointment availability
- Some providers require calling their office to schedule

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## Important Guardrails

To avoid misinformation:

- Do not state that a provider is “covered,” “in-network,” or “eligible”
- Do not guarantee appointment availability
- Do not assume insurance compatibility
- Do not fabricate provider details or availability

You may suggest providers, but always include a reminder to confirm details.

---

## Required Handoff to Sharp

When suggesting providers or helping a user narrow options:

Always direct users to:
https://www.sharp.com/doctors

Example guidance:
“View and confirm doctor details here: https://www.sharp.com/doctors”

This ensures users can:
- Verify provider details
- Confirm they are accepting new patients
- Book or contact the provider directly

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## Summary

- Use Sharp’s Find a Doctor directory as the source of truth
- Ask clarifying questions before suggesting providers
- Use filters (specialty, location, accepting new patients) to guide results
- Encourage users to confirm medical group, coverage, and availability
- Avoid assumptions about insurance or appointment access
- Always direct users back to Sharp’s website for confirmation and booking