Your health is a top priority, so having a reliable partner to take care of it has high significance. Let’s look at one of those partners–the primary care physician and explore the top five benefits of the important patient-PCP relationship.
What Is a Primary Care Doctor?
A primary care doctor is your first and best go-to person for various healthcare services. Your PCP helps you manage your overall health, coordinates care with medical specialists when necessary and offers the preventive services you need for a long and healthy life.
What Are the Top Five Benefits of Having a Primary Care Doctor?
Most people would agree that they value their relationships with their primary care physicians. The primary care doctor creates a medical home for each patient. He or she keeps your medical record and makes it fully accessible to you and other providers as needed.
When you are sick, concerned about a pressing medical problem or simply need advice, your primary care doctor is there. Your family doctor will listen, counsel you and take action on your behalf.
Here are the top five benefits of having a PCP who knows you well.
Continuity of Medical Care
Your primary care physician is someone who knows your medical history, understands your health concerns and can provide care just right for you. This comprehensive care prevents chronic health conditions and manages them, too.
Your PCP is the person to see when you are sick or injured. When you need a health advocate, your primary care doctor can be your voice in planning and obtaining the right medical services.
Examples of these medical services include:
- Physical therapy
- Prescription medications
- Speech and hearing services
- In-home healthcare services (post-hospital discharge or for an ongoing need)
- Mental health and addiction care
- Support groups
- Cancer care
Preventive Care
Primary care physicians also focus on preventive care. Preventive care includes routine check-ups, vaccinations, and screenings for various diseases.
Examples of these conditions are cancer, hearing and vision problems, diabetes, and high cholesterol. By detecting health issues early on, patients improve their chances of successful treatment and management and better overall health.
Also, vaccines and advice on exercise, diet, stress reduction, and more are important tools for avoiding illness. Preventive care from your primary care doctor promotes your health and well-being through life’s many changes.
Examples of preventive healthcare include:
- Cancer screenings, such as mammography and colonoscopies
- Vision testing
- Mental health screening
- Hearing tests
- Blood tests to check for diabetes, high cholesterol, anemia, thyroid problems, and more
- Advice on nutrition, supplements, stress reduction, and physical activity
Your primary care doctor can order or refer you for these tests and others. You will receive guidance on when and how often to get them, based on your age, health, family history, and other factors.
Chronic Disease Management
Primary care physicians are trained to manage chronic conditions, such as diabetes, asthma, heart disease and arthritis. Your PCP will monitor your specific condition. You will receive ongoing therapies and medications and learn ways to manage your care at home.
Coordination with Specialty Care Providers
When you face something serious, such as a cancer diagnosis or complex cardiology care, your PCP can help you select your providers. Your primary care physician knows you and your health needs better than any other professional. As such, he or she can refer you to a specialty care doctor with the experience, skills, and bedside manner best suited to you.
Patient Education
If you feel overwhelmed by all the healthcare information out there, you are not alone. Your primary care physician can help you sort through it all, directing you to the right resources. You want information which applies to your age, medical condition, lifestyle, and more.
This personalized education will help you better understand your health and how to manage it. Plus, you will feel empowered to make informed decisions about your care.
With your PCPs wise counsel, you avoid getting the wrong information. Patient education really is key to a comprehensive approach to managing your health.
Your Primary Care Physician in Sarasota and Manatee Counties
At Intercoastal Medical Group, we have more than 100 physicians on our professional team. Many are family practice doctors and internal medicine physicians. They are accepting new patients and would love to be your PCP.
We have 10 locations to serve you. We also feature specialty medical care, such as cardiology. So, you are guaranteed continuity of care for your most basic to the most complex medical needs.
To schedule a consultation, contact the location of Intercoastal Medical Group nearest to your home, place of employment, or school. You may also fill out our appointment request form.
We look forward to serving you!
