Primary care is important because it’s your first line of treatment when you are sick, it helps you get advanced healthcare when you need it, and it can help prevent illness before it begins. Unfortunately, an increasing percentage of Americans do not have a primary care provider.
The biggest reason why so many Americans don’t have a primary care provider is a simple lack of understanding about why primary care is important.
Let’s talk about primary care, why you need it, and what a primary care provider can do for you.
What Is Primary Care?
Primary care is a model of care that is aimed at improving the health of the public by providing easy access to medical care. Simply put, you receive primary care when you have a doctor who knows you and who is your first stop for your health care needs and concerns.
The professionals who provide primary care are called primary care providers. They offer accessible, comprehensive, and patient-focused care.
Why Is Primary Care Beneficial?
Primary care providers are experts in identifying diseases in their early stages and treating these diseases early when they are most treatable. In the early stages of chronic conditions, you might not have any symptoms. However, a primary care provider performs annual screenings and can identify warning signs which could indicate a condition before you’re even aware you have a condition. This is why patients without a primary care doctor often do not get care until their condition is advanced and difficult to treat.
Moreover, when you meet a specialist for your advanced condition, the specialist will send your PCP a copy of all your health information, test results performed, and medications prescribed by the specialist. This helps your PCP can keep track of your advanced condition over time as they continue to see you annually. This comprehensive and continuous monitoring is critical to the effective management of chronic conditions, so those who don’t have a PCP may not get the health care they need.
The health benefits of primary care are evident. Yet, primary care also provides financial benefits. Studies have shown that people who have primary care providers pay much less in annual healthcare costs compared to those who don’t have PCP. For instance, seeing a primary care doctor for your non-emergency problem is much cheaper than visiting an emergency room once that problem intensifies.
What A Primary Care Provider Can Do for You
Primary care providers are focused on providing affordable and quick care. They are trained to:
- Give you a diagnosis based on your symptoms
- Prescribe medications for diagnosed problem
- Perform general wellness exams and annual screenings
- Manage chronic conditions
- Educate you on health and lifestyle
- Connect you with specialists for advanced care if needed
Center For Primary Care in Irmo, SC
Primary care is essential to maintain your health and prevent diseases. If you don’t have a primary care provider and are looking for a center for primary care, visit us at SC Internal Medicine Associates and Rehabilitation. We have a team of highly trained and experienced primary care providers who are delighted to provide you with personalized evidence-based care.
To make an appointment with us, call today at (803) 749-1111 or use our convenient online appointment request form.
