At Main Street Hospital, a team of primary care physicians on our medical staff, including internal medicine specialists, pediatricians, and family practice physicians who are ready to serve you and your family by providing a lifetime of care. After all, when it comes to your health and the health of your family, seeing a primary care physician on a regular basis and building a long-term relationship offers many benefits.
Benefit #1: Better Preventative Care
Having a primary care physician (PCP) is like having a personal health coach. It’s the job of your PCP to get to know you and become familiar with your medical history. That knowledge can help your physician treat minor problems before they become major and make informed recommendations about the medical screenings you may need. Instead of just treating a symptom, your PCP sees you as an individual because they know who you are.
In addition, by scheduling an annual physical exam, your doctor can detect unhealthy trends, such as weight gain or higher blood pressure, and begin treating these conditions at an early stage before they become serious.
Benefit #2: Faster Answers
One of the main duties of your primary care physician is to be the first person in the healthcare system that you contact when you have a question or concern.
Benefit #3: More Resources
What if you need to see a specialist for further evaluation or want to find a support group for your medical condition? Your primary care physician can guide you in the right direction and connect you with the resources you need.
Benefit #4: Better Communication
When you have a trusting relationship with your doctor, you feel more comfortable talking about sensitive medical issues. Your primary care physician is also responsible for coordinating the flow of information with other healthcare providers. When a referral is made to a specialist, for example, your PCP can make sure there is no duplication of care or testing.
Benefit #5: A Lifetime of Care
By building a relationship with your PCP, you have someone who is committed to providing quality care during your entire life.
Benefit #6: Less Trips to the ER
Suppose you have a medical condition that isn’t urgent but really does concern you. You may consider going to the Emergency Room if you don’t have a primary care physician. But if you have a PCP, your doctor can often answer your questions over the phone or prescribe the right medication. And no emergency room physician can replace the relationship you have with your doctor or know your medical history so thoroughly.
Benefit #7: A Healthier Child
As children grow up, their bodies are constantly changing and developing. That’s the reason it’s so important for a child to see a pediatrician on a regular basis. During an annual physical exam, a pediatrician can check a child’s development and make sure he or she is on the right track to good health. In addition, mental and emotional issues, such as depression and attention deficit disorder, can be addressed. Special problems, such as difficulty falling asleep or dealing with puberty, can be discussed. A pediatrician can also make sure your child’s immunizations are up-to-date.
Many schools now require a sports physical before students can participate in athletics. This type of exam can identify potential medical problems in students who might be at risk if they play sports. Your child’s pediatrician is the best choice for conducting a sports physical because they are familiar with the child and his or her medical history.