The Importance of a Primary Care Provider
May 23, 2023 | Tags:
Whether it’s banking online instead of waiting for a teller or having groceries delivered right to our doors, we’re used to getting the things we need on our terms. In this culture of convenience, it’s tempting to consider a retail clinic, urgent care or the emergency room as your go-to place for your medical needs, even if it’s not an emergency. While there might be a wait when you arrive, you can drop in when you want without an appointment. But that visit will cost you.
“Many people are unaware of how expensive a visit to the emergency department can be for a condition that is easily addressed in a primary care center,” said Dr. Dwight McFadden, Assistant Medical Director at Medical Mutual.
It also might not be the best place for you to receive consistent, high-quality care. Your primary care provider (PCP) is the healthcare professional who knows you best. They’re familiar with your family, medical and social histories.
“Knowing a person and their past, pastimes and occupation helps a provider diagnose conditions that may have subtle or unusual early signs and symptoms,” Dr. McFadden said.
Building a Relationship
In addition to knowing your health background, a PCP can be a positive influence in the longer term. According to Dr. McFadden, lifestyle changes such as improving nutrition, smoking cessation or becoming sober take time and consistent support. A retail clinic or urgent care isn’t equipped to help you map out a healthy lifestyle, but a PCP can help you to create one and work with you on preventive care. It may even result in you living a longer life.
The comfort of knowing a provider well also can drive open discussion. For example, unpleasant side effects often cause people to stop taking prescriptions, sometimes without letting the prescriber know. When you’re comfortable with your PCP, you can have a candid conversation about it.
Nurses at your PCP’s office can be another good resource.
“A nurse can often be a confidant who makes difficult situations easier,” Dr. McFadden said. “They also may be a familiar voice who works to get your needs met.”
When you foster a relationship with your PCP’s team, you’re also leveraging their network of colleagues. You doctor knows you well and can identify specialists who meet your needs medically and suit your personality.
“When I worked as a PCP, I would often try to match the specialist’s skills and personality to the patient,” Dr. McFadden said. “Some patients sought providers who could meet their needs quickly. Others prioritized a provider who would spend extra time listening to their concerns.”
Plus, when your specialists and PCP are in communication, your PCP can compile the care and treatments you’re receiving and catch any prescription interactions that might not be optimal.
Prioritize Finding a PCP
With all the benefits a PCP provides, why wouldn’t you have one? There are several reasons.
You may just be getting used to having health insurance.
“Preventive care and maintenance visits are often ignored if you’re not covered by health insurance. Then, people only interact with the healthcare system when they have an injury or specific need,” Dr. McFadden said. “So, in part, we may not have changed that behavior for those who are the first generation with health insurance.”
Making sure you choose the right PCP can be nerve-wracking, too.
“Wading through all the online data to choose a PCP takes time,” he said. “Couple that with providers experiencing turnover as Baby Boomers begin to retire. The desire to find the right provider may keep individuals from finding any provider at all.”
Medical Mutual Can Help
So how can you simplify the search? Medical Mutual offers tools to help you get started.
Members can access our Find a Provider tool by logging in to My Health Plan and selecting it from the Resources & Tools tab. Find a Provider will help you narrow down in-network doctors using a variety of filters.
As you look at your options, there are some things to keep in mind. Look for a board-certified provider, Dr. McFadden suggested.
Will you be able to see the same provider on most visits? Also consider where the doctor is in their career — will he or she be able to care for you for a while?
Ask about the hours and availability of staff. Check if they have time allotted for urgent visits each day. Are you able to contact the doctor via phone call or text in an emergency? Does the doctor use telehealth?
Keep the capabilities of the practice in mind as well. Is blood drawn in the office? What other procedures or testing can be done in the office?
Once you’ve found a provider who fits your needs, get comfortable and start building a relationship. Having a skilled PCP in your corner can help with costs and help you lead a healthier life in the long run.