Why Having a Primary Care Doctor is Important
Your primary care doctor is your medical “home.” It’s the doctor you visit for most medical needs and the person you speak to about your health questions and concerns.
Here are three reasons why you need a primary care doctor.
Health screenings
Fear and anxiety maybe some of the emotions you experience when you’re sitting in the doctor’s office. These feelings of uncertainty shouldn’t stop you from getting a routine screening.
Routine screenings should happen just as often as your car gets an oil change.
There are so many things you can get screened for. Here’s a list of common routine screenings:
- Cancer, such as colon, breast, and cervical
- Blood pressure (Hypertension)
- Mammogram
- Immunizations
- Diabetes
- Physical exam
- Pelvic Exam or Pap smear
- Sexually transmitted diseases and infections
- Body Mass Index (BMI)
- Cancer, such as colon, breast, and cervical
Although seeing a primary care physician can be intimidating, it’s crucial to share how you feel not only physically, but mentally.
According to the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association Health of America report, millennials are impacted more by mental health conditions when compared to the national population. By visiting your primary care doctor, you can identify issues sooner.
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With routine health screenings, you’re given a chance to express how you feel to a doctor who is willing to listen, understand, and meet your needs.
It’s personal
A major decline in health begins at age 27, according to the Health of America Report.
Primary care is the best place to start for most of your health concerns. It’s where you can get treatment for minor illnesses, injuries, and get help with chronic conditions.
Some major health issues impacting people age 23-38 are type 2 diabetes, major depression, hyperactivity, and substance use disorder, according to the report.
Primary care physicians can be better equipped to help you make the best decisions about the care that’s right for you by learning your personal and family history.
By visiting a primary care physician, you can receive preventive care and routine screenings. Some preventive care is covered at no out-of-pocket cost to customers.
It’s effective
When you visit your primary care doctor, there’s usually no need to go through a lot of paperwork or face the inconvenience of trying to make an appointment.
Visits to primary care often take less time than visits to emergency rooms or urgent care facilities.
Some primary care offices even offer same-day doctor’s appointments as well as convenient hours if you struggle to find time to see a doctor in your busy schedule.
Seeing a primary care doctor is an important part of maintaining good health. Our Find a Doctor tool can help you search for an in-network provider or medical facility near you.
