Living Healthy: The Importance of Having a Primary Care Physician

Posted by: BeneFIT Corporate Wellness
Date: August 5, 2013

Is there a benefit to building a strong relationship with a primary care physician (PCP)? Absolutely, as a primary care physician will help individuals to stay healthy, manage illness and prevent disease.

• Family medicine or family practice doctors (who provide comprehensive care for patients of all ages)
• Internal medicine doctors or internists (most see patients beginning around age 14, although age can vary by practice.
• Pediatricians (who care for children from birth through adolescence and possibly up to age 21)

The top four reasons to regularly see a primary care physician include:

• Better Quality of Care: The primary care physician follows you through life and considers wellness as it relates to the whole person—their physical, emotional and mental well-being.
• Early Management of Health Problems: Choosing a primary care physician and then seeing the doctor for a well visit provides a baseline look at your health so that health changes are noted early.
• Greater Focus on Prevention: Primary care physicians focus on the prevention of chronic disease and acute illnesses—from screening for diabetes to administering flu shots—all of which helps prevent or reduce high cost claims.
• Greater Access to Needed Services: When you have an established primary care physician, you are less likely to seek care at an Emergency Department for non-urgent illnesses, thus eliminating any unneeded health care costs.

When choosing a primary care physician, assure the doctor is participating in your current health insurance plan and is accepting new patients. To find out, visit your health plan web site, call the health plan’s customer service number on your insurance card or speak with the person who handles your health benefits.

If you would like to learn how your company can promote wellness and educate employees on the importance of having a primary care physician,  please contact us.

Disclaimer: The information presented is for your general knowledge and does not replace the advice of a physician. All medical inquiries regarding your health should be presented to a physician.