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Why do you need a primary care physician?
Staying healthy is best done with expert help. We all need
medical care at some point. And if chronic illness strikes, it requires the
guidance of someone with the ability to make diagnoses and balance treatments
that are often aimed at different organ systems. beamintro
Primary care physicians (PCPs) are generalists who see adult
patients for common ailments including respiratory infections, headaches, back
pain, and urinary infections. They also manage chronic conditions such as high
blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, anxiety, and depression. In
addition, PCPs have expertise in managing multiple treatments, medications, and
the interactions between them. They can address the entire person, taking into
account their values, beliefs, and preferences.
The explosion of medical knowledge and treatment
alternatives makes it important to have a generalist to interpret and advise on
the best course of action. This often requires communication with specialists,
who are usually expert in a specific condition or organ system, and
coordination of care with patients and families.
Study reinforces benefits of primary care
study published earlier this year in JAMA Internal
Medicine examined the value of primary care. Researchers analyzed survey
results from 49,286 US adults with a PCP and 21,133 US adults without a PCP. gaintrennds
They found that adults with primary care were significantly
more likely to fill more prescriptions and to have a routine preventive visit
in the past year. They were also significantly more likely to receive more
high-value care such as cancer screenings, including colorectal cancer
screening and mammography.
Choosing a PCP team
The best PCPs are great communicators who work in teams that
keep the patient at the center of all diagnostic and treatment activities. A
PCP team often comprises medical assistants, nurses, pharmacists, and social
workers. At any given time, a patient will need support from the team member
who is best qualified to find a solution to a specific problem. This approach
extends the reach and efficiency of busy clinicians, and helps patients
navigate a complicated health care system.
When choosing a PCP, it is important to consider your
current health status and needs. Those with complicated needs or chronic
medical illness would benefit most from a PCP team that can help with all
aspects of health care. Looking for a practice that is a certified medical home
is one way to find a good PCP team. Ask questions about the team and how it
works.
If you are currently healthy and don’t have extensive
medical needs, now is a great time to establish a relationship with a PCP who
can get to know you, and help you meet your health care goals. They will also
be there when you need them.
Preparing for your visits marketing2businessdirectory
Gathering previous medical records, medication lists, and
insurance information is a good idea in planning for a first visit to your new
PCP. Bringing a list of questions will help you make the most of the visit. The
PCP will be better able to design a health care plan if they have a good sense
of who you are and what your current needs are.
Additional visits may be required to address multiple
symptoms, conditions, or concerns. Make sure your most pressing concerns are
addressed, but also be ready to accept that additional visits or consultation
with other members of the team may be needed.
Find out the best way to communicate with your PCP team
between visits. Many practices have secure patient portals where non-urgent
issues can be addressed by the appropriate team member, possibly reducing the
need for a face-to-face visit.
PCPs can also help navigate transitions of care if you need
to enter the health care system. Having guidance and support when leaving the
hospital and going back home or to a rehabilitation facility can make a big
difference in how well you regain previous levels of health and independence.
Most adults will need to enter the health care system at
some point in their life. Having a PCP team that gets to know you as an
individual in the context of your goals, values, and preferences will make it
easier to get the care you need.
About the Author
Peter Gonzalez, MD, Contributor cosmetics48
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing
provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of
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No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be
used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other
qualified clinician.
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