Five Benefits to Building a Relationship with a Primary Care Physician

You are young and healthy and lead a busy life. So why would you want to complicate your already hectic life with one more thing like finding a primary care physician and making an appointment?

Research shows that people who have a primary care physician actually live longer. They are less likely to die from cancer, heart disease, stroke and many other illnesses. The reason is simple: over time, you and your physician form a relationship. You get to know each other, which leads to better medical care by catching small health problems before they become serious.  Establishing a trusting relationship with a primary care physician is key when looking for consistent and efficient care.

Here are FIVE other benefits to building a relationship with a primary care physician:

1.) A primary care physician knows how to deal with everything from helping you through a bout with the flu to back pain and digestion issues, to uncovering serious illnesses like cancer and heart disease. They can treat almost anything. If not, they will refer you to a specialist who can.

2.) Your physician will get to know you as person. You will build trust and be able to talk about anything that is bothering you physically and emotionally. That is important as problems in any of these areas can affect your overall health.

3.) Your primary care physician is the point person who helps you navigate the healthcare jungle. He or she:

  • Helps you find the best specialist if you need one.
  • Knows about all of the medicines and supplements you are taking and look for possible interactions.
  • Orders the right tests and other diagnostics you need at each stage of your life.
  • Answers any questions you have regarding your care so you are clear on all of the details

4.) Your primary care physician is not just interested in you when you are sick. He or she wants to collaborate with you on a wellness and prevention plan too. Consider your primary care physician your best source for information on things like weight management, smoking cessation, help with alcohol and drug use, and managing stress and anxiety.

5.) Your primary care physician will arrange for screenings such as mammograms, colonoscopies, blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol and more. It is important to note that many serious illnesses are found during routine physicals.

Routine visits to your primary care physician are recommended to keep you healthy and up-to-date on necessary screenings. If you do not have a primary care physician, now is the time.

CLICK HERE to  schedule your appointment with our Internal Medicine division today!

 

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