Primary Care

A primary care physician, more commonly known as a PCP or family doctor, is a physician who is specifically trained in treating the entire person, physically, mentally and emotionally, explains the American Academy of Family Physicians. Unlike other doctors who specialize in treating one particular organ or disease, primary care physicians not only diagnose and treat acute and chronic illnesses, like the flu and high blood pressure, but they also provide routine health screenings and counseling on lifestyle changes in an effort to prevent diseases from developing in the first place.

Some advantages of having an established primary care physician include:

Someone to Watch Over You

• Helps you stay healthier because of regular checkups, immunizations and screenings.
• Gains valuable information from tracking a problem over time —and can make treatment decisions accordingly.
• Over the long term, knows your health history, your habits, and your personality, and can more easily recognize signs that indicate a potential change in your health.

One Point Person

• Manages and coordinates of all your healthcare needs
• Provides referrals to specialty physicians, when you need one, and keeping track of your care with them

Saves Time Down the Line

• Helps you get care more quickly should you get sick in the future—whether it’s a pesky sinus infection or something more serious, because they know your history and more about you

Prevent Future Illness

• Helps educate you about your health and helps prevent chronic illnesses through regular check-ups

Establishing a relationship with a primary care physician is important to help keep you healthier as you age.