Partnering with a primary care provider has many health benefits
Research shows that primary care providers help patients obtain access to needed services, improve quality of care, prevent health issues and manage problems early. They can also reduce unnecessary and potentially costly care.
When you partner with a provider long-term, you enlist a personal health care coach with the medical training to guide you. Your provider gets to know you, your health history, your habits and your goals — in confidence. They serve as a one-stop provider for acute issues and chronic conditions, and your connection to specialty care.
Primary care providers offer:
- Diagnosis and treatment of common illnesses and minor injuries.
- Preventive care, including annual checkups.
- Help managing chronic health conditions.
- Healthy lifestyle counseling.
- Referrals to specialists.
They may focus on family medicine, family medicine with obstetrics, pediatrics for children under 18, or internal medicine for adult patients. They may be an MD, a physician with traditional medical training, or a DO, a physician with additional training in the musculoskeletal system and holistic care. They may also be a nurse practitioner with a master’s or doctorate degree and training to practice general medicine, or a physician assistant with a master’s degree and the training to practice general medicine.
“Primary care physicians work with you individually, to help you address your unique health concerns and prevent serious issues that can develop over time,” said Scott Stauder, MD, a family medicine physician with ProHealth Medical Group. “They work with you to maintain your health through nutrition, exercise, stress reduction, prevention and early intervention.”
Your provider stays on top of medical research, community health concerns and the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. They ensure that you receive the health screenings, vaccinations and information to help you prevent disease and exposure to health risks.
They also have the training and resources needed to help you comfortably discuss mental health concerns and get you back on the road to better health. In addition, they can help provide education, medical recommendations, resources and referrals for sleep issues, including insomnia.
It is important to openly and thoroughly discuss priorities, questions and concerns with your health care professional.
The best way to work with your provider is to:
- Know and share your family medical history and medical records, including your test results and immunization records.
- Bring a list of your medications, including vitamins, supplements and over-the-counter medicines, to your health care visit.
- List your allergies.
- Bring a list of questions to your visit.
- Use an online patient portal, if available, to connect with your doctor and care team between visits.
When you visit your provider, don’t hesitate to share your concerns. Be sure to let your provider know how you would like to work together so you can form a valuable partnership.
Most important, work with your provider to develop a care plan that meets your objectives and helps you maintain your health throughout your life. Follow their recommendations and instructions for better health and well-being.
