Primary care is the initial connection between patients and the health care system. It offers services that support the prevention and treatment of common illnesses, general wellness and medication management.
But what is primary care at its core?
Think of primary care as a medical home base where you can get checkups, immunizations, help with weight loss management, basic women’s and men’s health, and so much more.
It allows you to build a relationship with your care team and is designed to give you better access to health care while also improving your health outcomes. Additionally, it’s a less expensive option than turning to emergency services.
Key Components of Primary Care
A few crucial components of primary care help ensure the care you and your loved ones can depend on.
Comprehensive Services
Primary care offers a variety of services to help address the many challenges its patients may face.
Preventive care is one of these services. In the United States, largely preventable chronic diseases like Type 2 diabetes, cancer and heart disease are responsible for seven out of 10 deaths each year. Preventive services that can make a difference include:
- Blood pressure monitoring
- Cancer screenings
- Cholesterol tests
- Diabetes assessments
Both acute and chronic illnesses can be managed with primary care, allowing individuals with all kinds of health conditions to get the help they need.
Coordination of Care
Another vital component of primary care is achieving continuity of care. Your health care team actively works with you to achieve a common goal. Sometimes, this can involve referral to specialists, but your medical home base is still your primary care team. As such, they can advocate for you and help you get the care you deserve.
Patient-Centered Approach
Your primary care provider is a crucial part of your team. Including them in your health care decisions helps build trust and ensure you receive the best care possible.
Building a long-term relationship with the same provider makes it easier for them to know your baseline health levels, what kind of treatments have worked in the past and what your risk factors for certain conditions are.
Your team will address all aspects of your life, including those that go beyond the scope of your medical conditions. A whole-health approach will help you get guidance on your nutrition, lifestyle, stress levels and so much more.
Primary Care Providers
Your primary care team may include many people. These include your physician, nurses and more. Each offers unique help while still collaborating to provide quality care services.
What is a Primary Care Physician?
A primary care physician helps you manage all aspects of your health. They’re the first person you turn to when you develop an illness. In addition, they’ll perform your annual checkups, provide immunization guidance and help you manage chronic conditions.
Other Health Care Professionals in Primary Care
Your primary care provider can also be a nurse practitioner or physician assistant. They can help with assessments, interpret test results, prescribe medications, initiate treatment and support you through its entirety.
Benefits of Primary Care
Primary care is beneficial for several reasons:
- Primary care is a cost-effective option compared to urgent care, specialists or emergency services.
- Primary care providers have experience managing chronic and acute conditions and offer advice on improving overall health.
- Your primary care provider can perform screenings to help detect cancers and other conditions early so you can receive the treatment you need sooner.
Turning to a Dependable Primary Care Provider
Primary care is an essential part of your health care. It offers the chance to get help with all types of health issues, from acute conditions that might otherwise send you to emergency services to chronic conditions that require ongoing care.
By offering comprehensive services and having a patient-centered approach, primary care makes it possible to get the medical services you need more efficiently. It can also provide better health outcomes because of your access to preventive services.
At Primary Care+, we strive to provide the highest patient-centered, whole-person care. With same-day appointments and evening and weekend hours, you can turn to us when it’s most convenient for you. We offer a highly personalized approach to health care to ensure you always get the help you deserve.
Schedule an appointment at Primary Care+ and continue your journey to better health.
