The Importance of Primary Care
Primary care providers manage day-to-day health needs. A long-term relationship with a PCP keep you and your family healthier and lowers medical costs. A primary care provider can teach you ways to stay healthy, treat you when you're sick and help you get more advanced care when you need it.
What does a primary care provider do?
Primary care providers cover all types of everyday health concerns. Your PCP can answer questions about infections, chronic conditions, or medications. Everyday aspects of your history and lifestyle contribute to your overall health. A PCP will consider those factors and then:
- Teach you ways to make better decisions about your health to prevent disease
- Make sure your vaccines are up to date to prevent illnesses
- Suggest screenings to detect problems before you even notice them. For example, your PCP may suggest mammograms, colonoscopy screenings, or others.
- Treat acute health problems such as, a rash or infection
- Help you manage chronic health conditions such as, diabetes, high blood pressure, or depression
- Find a medical specialist if you need one, like an orthopedic surgeon or cardiologist
A PCP can help you and your family stay healthy and can be the first to treat any health issues that arise. Make time to find a PCP who is a partner in your long-term care, and have regular checkups.
