Why You Need a Primary Care Provider
Family Medicine is the Cornerstone to Better Health
Today, family medicine providers are more commonly known as primary care providers, or PCPs. PCPs are usually physicians, although they can be nurse practitioners or physician assistants. In the past, people primarily visited their family physicians only when they were sick. Although still essential for when you are not well, in today's world, regular visits to your PCP are crucial for maintaining good health. PCPs and their healthcare team collaborate to keep patients healthy through proactive preventative medicine, health screenings, and lifestyle guidance. Your PCP is your healthcare hub, more modernly known as one's "medical home."
What is a Primary Care Provider?
PCPs, address a person's complete health needs throughout their lifetime, including physical, mental and social well-being. Unlike other medical specialties, family medicine focuses on the whole individual rather than on a specific illness, disease, organ or system. The aim is to improve a person's overall wellness by preventing or solving health issues as they arise. Regular visits help your PCP learn more about you and your current health, your history and family history, your treatment preferences, your personality, lifestyle and challenges.
Cost savings
Studies support the benefits of having an established PCP. For example, people are more likely to live a healthier life than those with no PCP and at a lower cost. These proactive individuals have more accessibility to efficient and value-based healthcare.
A North Carolina emergency room study revealed that a PCP could have addressed 60% of the problems before people visited the ER. These emergency room visits often cost three to seven times more compared to a visit to a PCP. Utilizing a PCP instead of urgent care or the ER, when appropriate, significantly reduces your healthcare costs.
Furthermore, people who have a PCP save an average of 33% on healthcare costs compared to those who only see specialists. Effectively maintaining chronic conditions helps prevent expensive hospitalizations and lowers the possibility of costly medications.
Preventative screenings
Everyone wants to maintain good health, and PCPs can keep you healthier by regularly assessing your health risks through tools such as screenings and lab tests. Health conditions are best managed through early detection, when they are most treatable. Studies show adults with a PCP have 19% lower odds of premature death than those who only see a specialist. PCPs educate patients to prevent or better manage diseases and health conditions. When health issues do arise, the PCP can assist patients in navigating the complexities of the health system and connect them to needed resources.
Find a primary care physician at firelands Health
Firelands Physician Group has years of combined experience and is here to provide the care you need, at any age, when and where you need it. These providers serve four counties, with offices located in Erie, Huron, Ottawa and Sandusky counties.
Find your primary care provider today at firelands.com/primarycare.
