A primary care doctor performing a preventative health screening for a new patient.

Primary Care Doctors: What Do They Do and When Should You Go?

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Your primary care doctor serves as the cornerstone of your overall well-being. Primary care physicians (PCPs) are crucial in addressing a wide range of health needs, from managing chronic conditions and providing preventative care to acting as the first point of contact in the healthcare system. 

If it’s been a while since you’ve had a primary care provider, you might wonder how often you should see a PCP — or even if it’s necessary unless you’re sick. Receiving regular primary care services is an important part of your overall health, but how regularly you need them depends on a few different factors. 

What Is a Primary Care Physician?

A PCP is any healthcare provider that addresses medical conditions related to your overall health and well-being. A broad range of doctors are considered primary care providers.

Examples of Primary Care Physicians

    • Family Doctors
    • Internists
    • Pediatricians 
    • Geriatric Doctors 
    • OB/GYNs
    • Physician Assistants 
    • Nurse Practitioners 

 

Whether they practice family medicine, internal medicine, or focus on women’s health, PCPs are crucial to your overall wellness. 

They’re trained to address basic health concerns, advise on how to live a healthier life, and provide referrals when necessary. In integrative care models, they act as the manager of your care team and advocate for your health needs.  

How Often Should You See a Primary Care Provider?

How frequently you visit your PCP depends on age, chronic conditions, and other risk factors.

Those in good health should schedule a regular in-person check-up with their PCP at least once a year to receive preventative screenings and ensure vaccinations are up-to-date. 

Benefits of Regular Check-Ups

Routine visits are important to detect medical conditions early and maintain your family’s health. But that’s not all; there are many benefits to annual appointments with your PCP. 

Lower Healthcare Costs

Studies show that in-person visits for primary care services result in a cost reduction of $721 per patient per year.

Longer Life Expectancy

When people have more access to a PCP, they live longer.

Fewer Urgent Care Trips

Patients regularly receiving preventative healthcare, such as immunizations and screenings, visit the ER less frequently.

Continuity of Care

PCPs provide continuity of medical care for a comprehensive understanding of medical history. This is crucial when it comes to diagnosing health issues accurately. 

More Collaborative Care

Having a regular primary healthcare provider fosters open communication about health concerns, leading to a more collaborative partnership and better health outcomes. 

What Does a Regular Check-Up Include?

A routine check-up typically involves an evaluation of your overall health. It’s an opportunity to test important vitals (ex. blood pressure), review any changes to medications or health conditions, provide screenings for common health issues, and recommend immunizations. 

When Else Do You Visit a PCP? 

Your family practitioner can do more than monitor your health. 

Rather than take a trip to urgent care, you should visit your PCP whenever you experience unusual symptoms, such as persistent pain, changes in weight, or unexplained fatigue. You should also see your PCP for any sudden illnesses like a respiratory infection, fever, sore throat, or non-emergency injuries. 

If you have chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or asthma, you should see your family physician more regularly for management. If you notice symptoms of your chronic condition worsening, talk with your PCP. 

How to Find a Primary Care Physician 

Finding the right PCP is essential for a trusted healthcare partnership. First, consider your and your family’s health needs. For example, is it best to find a family practice specializing in pediatrics as well as generalized medicine? 

If you have an active insurance plan, check your plan’s network. In-network doctors cost less out-of-pocket. Asking friends and family with the same health insurance as you can help narrow down the selection. If you don’t have insurance, search for community health clinics that offer care on a sliding scale based on income.

When you have a list of potential PCPs, it’s good to research the providers online so you can read reviews and understand their board-certified specializations. Once you find a PCP you like, call to confirm they’re accepting new patients and book your first appointment. 

Finding Quality Care at Meridian HealthCare

At Meridian HealthCare, we understand the importance of having easy access to primary care doctors – that’s why they’re the heart of operations for our integrated healthcare team. 

Our PCPs have provided health and wellness for over 50 years to the Mahoning Valley through regular screenings, preventative care, and whole-body wellness practices. If you’re looking for a new PCP to improve your well-being, reach out to Meridian HealthCare today.