What is a Primary Care Provider?
A Primary Care Provider (PCP) is a healthcare professional who helps you manage your health. A PCP would be the first person you talk to about a health issue that is not an emergency.
What does a PCP do?
A primary care provider will help you stay healthy and help you recover when you get sick while developing a long-term relationship with you. PCPs are also known as general health practitioners because they cover all types of everyday health concerns. With consistent visits, such as annual health check-ups, your provider will get to know the following about you:
● Family Medical History
● Your Current Health
● Your Medical History
● Treatment Preferences
● Your lifestyle and personality
What a checkup with a PCP May Look Like:
Daily routines and aspects of your family history may impact your health; therefore, receiving an annual checkup from your provider is important. A PCP will consider all of those factors when providing some of the below:
● Recommend testing and screenings.
● Make sure your vaccines are up to date.
● Teach you ways to make better decisions regarding your health to prevent diseases such as strengthening your immune system.
● Help you manage long-term health problems or new related problems that arise.
Why it is important to have a PCP
Studies show a correlation between higher quality long-term care for those who have a PCP vs. those who do not. Additionally, having a long-term health provider will help with the following:
● Save money on fewer ER visits - by preventing diseases in advance.
● PCPs will have a list of suggested specialists they trust to refer if needed for a health concern.
● They will know you better than any other doctor.
● A Primary Care Provider can care for you throughout your lifetime.
At Center for Lifetime Health, we are proud to be one of the go-to’s for family medicine in the Treasure Valley. Learn more about our Primary Care Providers on our website and get schedule for an appointment here!
