A primary care physician giving a new patient a health screening.

6 Reasons a Good Primary Care Physician = Good Health Care

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Good health is important – not just when you’re sick – always. To achieve long-lasting wellness, you can’t only seek out a doctor when you have health concerns. You need a family doctor that knows your medical history and stays on top of your healthcare needs. A primary care provider (PCP) can do that for you. Yet, nearly one third of Americans don’t have a primary care physician for important, everyday healthcare services.

A primary care physician is an integral part of achieving better health over the course of your entire life.

What Is a Primary Care Provider?

A primary care provider is your first point of contact for everything medical. They’re a health care provider who regularly sees you and your family when it comes to non-emergencies and regular checkups.

Types of Primary Care Doctors

There are several types of PCP healthcare professionals who are able to address healthcare needs. Here’s a quick list of the primary care doctors who monitor the health of various patients:

    • Pediatricians

      These medical care providers focus on caring for patients between infancy to adolescence. 

    • Geriatricians

      Geriatric providers deliver care for an aging, older population.

    • Internists

      Similar to family physicians in their ability to manage and prevent conditions, internists only see adult patients.

    • Family Physicians

      Unlike pediatrics and geriatrics, medical practitioners who provide family medicine see patients of all ages – often they’re your one-stop shop for your whole family’s wellness. 

    • Obstetricians/Gynecologists

      Obstetrics and gynecology focus on women’s health. OB-GYNs can help with family planning and reproductive health. 

Most primary care providers are board-certified medical doctors, though some primary care services are provided by nurse practitioners or physician assistants who are part of a larger primary care team.

Reasons a Primary Care Doctor Is Essential to Good Healthcare

Many people don’t consider seeing a doctor for their health until they’re suffering from an active medical condition, but this is not a smart healthcare strategy for long-term wellness. Not only that – it can complicate the process of getting healthcare when you are sick. Here’s how having a primary care practitioner can help you achieve overall better health.

1. Better Monitoring of Your Health

By having a primary care physician, you’re better able to stay ahead of your healthcare needs with regular checkups and health screenings. A primary care provider monitors your vitals and overall health, which can help you detect issues early on (which then results in better health outcomes). By monitoring your health regularly, doctors can easily notice developing issues like high blood pressure or other risk factors before they become serious conditions.

When you receive long-term care from a primary healthcare professional, there’s also more communication about your well-being. They can answer questions about your health and direct you to the most efficient treatment, based on your medical history and previous medical conditions.

2. Better Preventive Care Services

Because a primary care provider is a long-term partner, they keep you up-to-date on necessary immunizations and vaccines. They’re also likely to know when preventive measures need to be taken, since they regularly monitor your well-being, in order to avoid serious health conditions.

For instance, if your doctor notices issues with your blood sugar and the potential for diabetes, they can provide preventative medicine before it becomes a more serious health issue. They also help you develop lifestyle changes to lower your risk of progressing with the condition.

3. Fewer Trips to the Hospital

Consistently monitoring your health and receiving preventative care leads to fewer emergency healthcare needs down the line. A study from UCLA shows that people who receive regular healthcare from a PCP are less likely to visit the emergency room and less likely to require hospitalization. This means that visiting a good PCP increases your well-being and results in some financial benefits, too.

4. Lower Healthcare Costs

Regardless of your health insurance plan, you may be hesitant to find a primary care doctor out of fear of the cost. In reality, a good PCP can help save you money in the long run. If you are practicing preventive medicine and going to the ER less often, you end up paying less over time for medical services.

5. Chronic Conditions Are Easier to Manage

Since a PCP is an expert on your medical history, they can more easily help you navigate chronic conditions. They’ll know what treatments haven’t been effective, what contributes to your chronic condition, and how to lessen its impact on your everyday life. They can also help you identify when a chronic condition needs special attention.

6. Better Access to Specialists

Having a PCP simplifies your access to specialized healthcare systems. They know your medical history and what insurance plan you have and they help make referrals to specialists. If you need mental health services or a specialist, they can help locate a medical professional and work with you to get an appointment set up.

How Do You Find the Right Primary Care Doctor?

Ideally, your relationship with a PCP will be a lifelong one. The longer you receive healthcare from the same provider, the better the quality of care you’ll receive. That’s why it’s important to make sure you’re selecting the right primary care provider for you and your loved ones. There are a number of things you should consider when choosing a new PCP that go beyond how well they performed at medical school:

  • Do they communicate well?
  • Do they work at a medical center that integrates other healthcare services?
  • Are they accepting new patients regularly?
  • Are they available over the phone as well as in person, if need be?

To find a good primary care provider, ask family and friends for recommendations. If you’re new to an area, check online reviews. Patient satisfaction is a good indicator of the quality of service that a PCP provides.

Better Health For a Better Tomorrow at Meridian HealthCare

At Meridian HealthCare, we believe in ongoing quality services, which is why our integrated health care model offers superior primary care services while incorporating access to mental health services and holistic approaches. We want the best health outcomes for our patients! No matter what your medical needs may be – Meridian is here to help. Contact us today to find your lifelong partner in wellness.