The Importance of Primary Care
By Sibel Dikmen, MD
“Follow up with your primary care provider.” Many people have heard this phrase after receiving medical care, whether at urgent care, the emergency room or even a cardiologist. Many do not understand why this is recommended, but patients are provided with this instruction for an important reason. A primary care provider (PCP) helps to coordinate your care and ensure that nothing is missed in keeping you healthy. Over time, the PCP goes beyond looking at only a single acute problem and cares for all aspects of your health. Connecting with a PCP is one of the few things in healthcare that has been shown to keep you healthy.
A PCP is a physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner that specializes in preventive care and chronic disease management. While it may seem intuitive for someone who has multiple chronic health conditions, a person who is healthy and not taking any long-term medications may wonder why they need to have a PCP. For these individuals it is important to understand that preventative care with a PCP includes discussing healthy lifestyle habits to maintain health and utilizing appropriate screening tests to catch early disease to have the best chance at a cure. Keeping your preventive care up to date and intercepting diseases early can also save you money in the long run by preventing the need for more invasive procedures or costly long-term treatments of treating advanced disease.
While ordering screening tests that many patients may receive may sound straightforward, establishing a relationship with a consistent PCP is important, even in preventative care. In some instances, your family history may be an indication to have specific screening tests performed earlier or a reason to conduct additional screening tests. In addition to knowing what tests may be appropriate for you, having a long-term relationship with a single PCP ensures that any follow-up needed on positive test results or ongoing screening is acted upon. Finding a PCP you trust also increases your comfort to discuss more sensitive health topics that can be improved with the assistance of a medical provider.
While staying healthy is an honorable and recommended goal, there may come a time when patients face a new illness or symptom. When possible, seeing your PCP as new symptoms arise can be beneficial. Primary care providers are comfortable diagnosing and treating a broad range of medical conditions. Moreover, when evaluating new symptoms of any patient, their past medical, surgical, and family history can play an essential role in determining which diagnoses to consider. Having a PCP who knows you well allows for more straightforward incorporation and consideration of your entire history. If you needed to see another medical provider for care, it will be important to connect with your PCP so that they can ensure that any required follow-up or repeat testing is carried out.
The benefits of having a PCP with whom someone has a well-established relationship are innumerable. So, how can you get your own PCP? Start by looking up clinics or health systems that are near where you live and accept your insurance. You can often get help by calling the number on the back of your insurance card. Even if you’re feeling well, set up an office visit for an annual exam or a shorter visit to establish care. You can expect questions about any medical or surgical history and your family’s medical history. It can be helpful for some people to organize any prior records or speak with their relatives if they’re unsure of any hereditary medical conditions that may run in the family. After establishing care with your new primary care provider, you will get to know each other and work together towards your healthcare goals for years to come!
Dr. Dikmen is a physician at Allina Health United Family Physicians, 233 Grand Ave, St. Paul, 55102, 651-241-5200.
