Expert Answer: “What is a Primary Care Provider?” (Benefits & When to See One)

Primary Care Provider - Blog Feature Graphic

A primary care provider (PCP) plays a crucial role in your preventive care. Being your first resource for non-emergency healthcare, your primary care provider is key to your health care outcomes. In addition to routine check-ups, vaccinations, and treating minor illnesses and injuries, a PCP can help prevent, diagnose, and manage chronic diseases – and even increase your life expectancy. Finding a primary care provider you trust is the first step toward receiving less expensive, quality care to keep you healthy.

A primary care provider is your first line of defense in healthcare. They’re your go-to resource when your kid needs a physical to participate in team sports. When you wake up with a scratch in your throat and you suspect strep, it’s time to head to your primary care provider. When you’re running a fever, when you have questions about a mystery rash, or when you’re experiencing a flare-up of a chronic condition, your PCP is your first call. Here, we cover everything you need to know about primary care providers — from why you need one to what they can and can’t do for you.

Primary Care Provider Meaning

A PCP is a health care practitioner who can diagnose, treat, and prevent many conditions and illnesses for your physical and mental health. In addition to preventive health care services, a PCP can manage long-term care for chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. The PCP is skilled at connecting the dots — ensuring your treatment is managed properly, checking for any prescription interactions, and addressing overlapping concerns. It’s important to take the time to find the right primary care physician. Research suggests people with a strong relationship with their PCP have better care outcomes and enjoy a healthier life.

Primary care physician snapshots

A primary care provider is typically a medical doctor but can be a physician assistant or a nurse practitioner specializing in different areas such as:

  • Family practice
  • Internal medicine
  • Pediatrics
  • Geriatrics
  • Obstetrics
  • Gynecology

As a general guideline, you should see your PCP at least once a year; however, if you live with a chronic condition, you may need to see your PCP more often to manage your illness.

Why Should I Have Primary Care Provider?

To maintain your health and ward off disease as you age, your primary care provider will recommend routine check-ups and health screenings based on your age and gender. Having a PCP can improve your health and care outcomes — and even save you money! Recent studies show adults with a primary care provider:

Usually, your PCP is involved in your care for an extended period and, therefore, becomes a trusted resource for your ongoing preventive health needs. Further research has found fewer premature deaths in communities with more primary care providers, which suggests people with a PCP experience longer and healthier lives.

4 Benefits of Having a Primary Care Provider

If you saw a doctor for heart problems (a cardiologist) and another for a skin rash (a dermatologist), these two doctors may not know about each other. There could, however, be a connection between the skin rash and your heart problems. Your PCP is skilled at seeing the bigger picture and piecing together symptoms and conditions that could otherwise go unnoticed.

Some of the benefits of working with a PCP include receiving:

  1. Individualized care based on your unique medical history, gender, and age
  2. Preventive care through routine check-ups, screenings, and vaccinations
  3. Help to monitor and manage chronic diseases and prevent unnecessary complications
  4. Continuity of care to manage and improve your overall health

Your PCP can discuss various health issues, ranging from physical to mental health. Developing a long-term relationship with your PCP will establish an invaluable support system for self-managing your health for a better quality of life. In the United States, studies have found an increase in life expectancy in areas with 10 more primary care physicians per 100,000 people. The benefits of having a primary care provider are endless, which is why finding the right one for you is so important.

When to See a Primary Care Provider

Your primary care doctor will be able to treat most of your health care needs. As a general rule, visit your PCP for any non-emergency illnesses, injuries, and chronic disease management, including:

  • Follow-ups
  • Physicals
  • Immunizations
  • Screenings
  • Prescription refills
  • Common illnesses such as colds, cough, flu, or fever
  • Minor burns, cuts, and other injuries

If your needs exceed the limitations of your PCP, you may be referred to a specialist or another doctor. Your PCP can help coordinate your medical treatment with any specialists.

When Not to See a Primary Care Provider

While it’s not always easy to know the difference, there are times when you should visit your PCP and other times that may require a trip to the emergency room. Skip the primary care provider and go straight to the ER for:

  • Emergencies and/or life-or-death situations
  • Symptoms of heart attack, stroke, or severe allergic reactions
  • Injuries that may require stitches

Don’t gamble with your health. If you feel your health issue cannot wait, seek urgent care. And, when in doubt, call 9-1-1.

Find the Best Primary Care Provider Near You

If you don’t already have a primary care provider, don’t wait to get sick to find one. Choosing the right PCP can take time and careful research. Get referrals from friends, family, and other health professionals. Call around, and check online reviews to find a doctor you are comfortable with and who meets your healthcare needs. The relationship you develop over time will help your PCP get to know you better; this results in quality personalized care – at a lower cost – for a happier, longer, healthier life.

Don’t Let Falls Trip You Up

According to the World Health Organization, falls are the second leading cause of accidental or unintentional injury deaths worldwide1. It is estimated that 646,000 fatal falls occur each year. Adults age 65 and older seem to suffer the greatest numbers of fatal falls. In a study published by The American Medical Directors Association, women over the age of 70 had a greater risk of falling than men2. It is more common for falls to take place in a familiar environment during your regular activities of daily living.

Why do we fall?

There are many reasons why people fall. Some are environmental, like area rugs or spills on the floor, while others are related to the physical health of the individual3. Physical factors that can lead to falls include:

  • Loss of balance
  • Poor vision
  • Muscle weakness
  • Changes in a person’s weight and how it is distributed throughout their body

Additional fall risk factors include:

  • Age- as we age our risks increase
  • Occupation- hazardous working conditions or elevated heights
  • Alcohol or substance use
  • Certain medications can increase risk of falling- such as muscle relaxants, sleeping pills, and some heart medications
  • Underlying medical conditions-such as neurological or other disabling conditions

The good news is we can reduce our risk of falling even as we age. It’s never too early or too late to start. When we think of exercise, typically things like walking or running pop into our mind. Balance exercises are a great way to strengthen your core and prevent future falls. Below are some exercises that can improve your balance:

  • Standing on one leg- try standing on one leg for 10 seconds. Stop and then switch to the other foot. You can do this exercise while washing the dishes or brushing your teeth. Try to get in 10 repetitions.
  • Heel-toe walk­­-­ start by taking 20 steps while keeping your eyes straight ahead. Put your heel in front of your toes as you take a step. Stop and turn around and take another 20 steps in the opposite direction. Repeat the sequence three times.
  • Try tai chi to improve your fitness, agility, and balance.

Remember, by preventing falls you are preserving your independence.

References:

  1. http://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/falls
  2. http://www.healthinaging.org/aging-and-health-a-to-z/topic:falls/
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3863882/

Tips for Self-Managing Your Health

A chronic illness is one that is ongoing versus an acute illness which doesn’t last very long, typically less than 12 weeks. An example of a chronic illness is diabetes or asthma whereas pneumonia would be an example of an acute illness. Acute illnesses may lead to a chronic condition if left untreated1.

Chronic or Acute?

Whether your condition is chronic or acute, it is important that you take care of your body to prevent further illness or complications. Self-management means that you are taking responsibility for your health such as taking your medications as prescribed, monitoring your vital signs such as weight or blood pressure, and making good lifestyle choices like being active and eating a healthy diet. According to a study published in the American Journal of Managed Care, individuals who do not feel capable of managing their own health are more likely to develop a new chronic disease over a 3-year period when compared to individuals with good self-management skills2.

Your health care provider may make recommendations to help improve or maintain your condition. It’s up to you to follow them when in between your provider visits. Below are a few steps you can take to manage your condition3:

  • Be active- get at least 30 min of physical activity each day.
  • Eat a well-balanced diet: make sure to get the colors of the rainbow, lean proteins and whole grains.
  • Take your medications as prescribed- this includes over-the counter and prescription medications as recommended by your provider.
  • Keep all scheduled provider appointments and new appointments for worsening symptoms.
  • Complete your preventive screenings, exams and immunizations as recommended.
  • Know your condition triggers- avoid activities, environments, or foods that can make you feel worse.
  • Self-monitor your vital signs and blood values- if you are a diabetic or prediabetic it may be important for you to check your glucose in between visits with your provider. It is also important to keep track of your blood pressure, heart rate, and weight at least once a week.

Remember to take control of your health and don’t let your condition take control of you!

References:

  1. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/imagepages/18126.htm
  2. https://www.ajmc.com/newsroom/identifying-patients-health-self-management-skills
  3. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/10-steps-for-coping-with-a-chronic-condition

Prediabetes: What You Need to Know

One out of 3 American adults has prediabetes – that’s 86 million people. And, 9 out of 10 of them don’t even know they have it! Prediabetes is a condition that comes before diabetes. It means your blood glucose levels are higher than normal but aren’t high enough to be called diabetes. There are no clear symptoms of prediabetes. Without intervention, many people with prediabetes could develop type 2 diabetes within 5 years.1

Prediabetes

You’re at risk for developing prediabetes if you: 

  • Are overweight
  • Are 45 years or older
  • Have a parent, brother, or sister with type 2 diabetes
  • Are physically active less than 3 times a week
  • Have ever had gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) or given birth to a baby who weighed more than 9 pounds
  • Are African American, Hispanic/Latino American, American Indian, or Alaska Native (some Pacific Islanders and Asian Americans are also at higher risk)

Diabetes

You’re at risk for developing type 2 diabetes if you: 

  • Have prediabetes
  • Are overweight
  • Are 45 years or older
  • Have a parent, brother, or sister with type 2 diabetes
  • Are physically active less than 3 times a week
  • Have ever had gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) or given birth to a baby who weighed more than 9 pounds
  • Are African American, Hispanic/Latino American, American Indian, or Alaska Native (some Pacific Islanders and Asian Americans are also at higher risk)2

Don’t let the “pre” in prediabetes fool you into thinking it’s not a problem now. By taking action now, you have the power to not only prevent type 2 diabetes but also reduce the risk of heart attacks and stroke associated with prediabetes.

People with prediabetes who do not change their lifestyle by losing weight if needed, and increase their physical activity – can develop type 2 diabetes within 5 years. According to the CDC, type 2 diabetes can lead to serious health issues such as:

  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Blindness
  • Kidney failure
  • Loss of toes, feet, or legs

Additionally, being overweight and not physically active can make you feel sluggish and affect your mood. Making positive lifestyle changes can lower your risk of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, and improve the quality of your overall health and wellbeing as well as the wellbeing of your family.3

The great news is that prediabetes can often be reversed. You can join a CDC-recognized diabetes prevention program to help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. This proven lifestyle change program can cut diabetes risk in half. Programs are available in-person or online and are designed for people who have prediabetes or are at risk for type 2 diabetes.

CDC-recognized lifestyle change programs are proven to work and are based on research led by the National Institutes of Health. Their research shows that people with prediabetes who participate in a structured lifestyle change program can cut their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58% (71% for people over 60 years old). This finding was the result of the program helping people lose 5% to 7% of their body weight through healthier eating and 150 minutes of physical activity a week. For a person who weighs 200 pounds, losing 5% to 7% of their body weight means losing just 10 to 14 pounds. It doesn’t take drastic weight loss to make a big impact.

The impact of this program can last for years to come. Research has found that even after 10 years, people who completed a diabetes prevention program were one third less likely to develop type 2 diabetes.4

How do I find out if I have prediabetes?

Take the American Diabetes Association’s Type 2 Diabetes Risk Test.

What can I learn from the program?

The program is not a fad diet or an exercise class. It’s not a quick fix. It’s a year-long program focused on long-term changes to create healthy habits for life.

Your lifestyle coach, who is specially trained to lead the program, will help you learn new skills, encourage you to set and meet goals, and keep you motivated. A year may sound like a long time, but learning new habits takes time and practice. As you begin eating better and moving more, you’ll notice a difference in how you feel.

During the first half of the program, you will learn to:

  • Eat healthy without giving up the foods you love
  • Add physical activity to your life, even if you think you don’t have time
  • Manage your stress
  • Cope with challenges and obstacles that can derail your path – like how to eat healthy when traveling
  • Get back on track if you stray from your plan

In the second half of the program, you will enhance the skills you’ve learned so you can maintain the changes you’ve made. These sessions will review key ideas such as tracking your food and physical activity, setting goals, staying motivated, and overcoming barriers.

Where can I find a program?

CDC-recognized lifestyle programs are located in a variety of places throughout the community, including:

  • Health care clinics
  • Community-based organizations
  • Faith-based organizations
  • Pharmacies
  • Wellness centers
  • Worksites
  • Cooperative extension offices
  • University-based continuing education programs
  • You can also choose an online program

To find a program near you visit, https://nccd.cdc.gov/DDT_DPRP/Programs.aspx

What’s the cost of the program?

The cost of participating in a CDC-recognized lifestyle change program varies, depending on location, organization offering it, and type of program (in person or online). Contact the program you are interested in to find out the cost. Some employers and insurance carriers cover the cost of these programs. Check with your employer or insurance carrier to see if a program is covered.

USPM is Proud to Offer the Diabetes Prevention Program

USPM is a fully recognized provider of the National Diabetes Prevention Program led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This clinically proven program helps people who are at risk for type 2 diabetes make achievable and realistic lifestyle changes — reducing their risk by up to 38%. For more information on this offering, contact us and choose the option to learn more about the Diabetes Prevention Program.

References

  1. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention/prediabetes-type2/index.html
  2. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/risk-factors.html
  3. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention/prediabetes-type2/index.html
  4. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention/prediabetes-type2/preventing.html

Eating Better and Exercising for Diabetes Management

Diabetes is a leading cause of heart attack, stroke, blindness, kidney failure, and amputation. It also leads to more sick days and less productivity on the job. The good news is, type 2 diabetes can be prevented, and it isn’t as hard as you might think.

Losing just 7% of your body weight (which translates to 14 pounds if you weigh 200 pounds) and exercising moderately (like brisk walking) 5 days a week can reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes by 58%. Lifestyle changes can also prevent or delay diabetes complications.1

Diet & Exercise

Nutrition and physical activity are important parts of a healthy lifestyle whether you have diabetes or not. Along with other benefits, following a healthy meal plan and being active can help you keep your blood glucose level, also called blood sugar, in your target range. To manage your blood glucose, you need to balance what you eat and drink with physical activity and diabetes medicine, if you take any.

Becoming more active and making changes in what you eat and drink can seem challenging at first. It is easier to start with small changes and get help from your family, friends, and your health care team. Eating well and being physically active most days of the week can help you:

  • Keep your blood glucose level, blood pressure, and cholesterol in your target ranges
  • Lose weight or stay at a healthy weight
  • Prevent or delay diabetes problems
  • Feel good and have more energy

What foods can I eat if I have diabetes?

Eat smaller portions. Learn about serving sizes and how many servings you need in a meal. The key to eating with diabetes is to eat a variety of healthy foods from all food groups, in the amounts your meal plan specifies.

The food groups are:

  • Vegetables
    • Non-starchy: includes broccoli, carrots, greens, peppers, and tomatoes
    • Starchy: includes potatoes, corn, and green peas
  • Fruits — includes oranges, melon, berries, apples, bananas, and grapes
  • Grains — at least half of your grains for the day should be whole grains
    • Includes wheat, rice, oats, cornmeal, barley, and quinoa
    • Examples: bread, pasta, cereal, and tortillas
  • Protein
    • Lean meat
    • Chicken or turkey without the skin
    • Fish
    • Eggs
    • Nuts and peanuts
    • Dried beans and certain peas, such as chickpeas and split peas
    • Meat substitutes, such as tofu
  • Dairy — nonfat or low fat
    • Milk or lactose-free milk if you have lactose intolerance
    • Yogurt
    • Cheese

Eat foods with heart-healthy fats, which mainly come from these foods:

  • Oils that are liquid at room temperature, such as olive oil
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Heart-healthy fish such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel
  • Avocado
  • Use oils when cooking food instead of butter, cream, shortening, lard, or stick margarine1

What foods and drinks should I limit if I have diabetes?

Foods and drinks to limit include:

  • Fried foods and other foods high in saturated fat and trans fat
  • Foods high in salt, also called sodium
  • Sweets, such as baked goods, candy, and ice cream
  • Beverages with added sugars, such as juice, regular soda, and regular sports or energy drinks

Drink water instead of sweetened beverages. Consider using a sugar substitute in your coffee or tea.

If you drink alcohol, drink moderately — no more than one drink a day if you’re a woman or two drinks a day if you’re a man. If you use insulin or diabetes medicines that increase the amount of insulin your body makes, alcohol can make your blood glucose level drop too low.1

How much can I eat if I have diabetes?

Two common ways to help you plan how much to eat if you have diabetes are the plate method and carbohydrate counting. Check with your health care team about the method that’s best for you.

Plate Method

The plate method shows the amount of each food group you should eat. This method works best for lunch and dinner. You can find more details about using the plate method from the American Diabetes Association.

Carbohydrate Counting Method

Carb counting involves keeping track of the amount of carbs you eat and drink each day. Because carbs turn into glucose in your body, they affect your blood glucose level more than other foods do. Carb counting can help you manage your blood glucose level. If you take insulin, counting carbs can help you know how much insulin to take.1

Most carbs come from starches, fruits, milk, and sweets. Try to limit carbs with added sugars or those with refined grains, such as white bread and white rice. Instead, eat carbs from fruit, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and low-fat or nonfat milk. Learn more about diabetes meal plans at American Diabetes Association.

Why should I be physically active if I have diabetes?

Physical activity is an important part of managing your blood glucose level and staying healthy. Physical activity:

  • Lowers blood glucose levels
  • Lowers blood pressure
  • Improves blood flow
  • Burns extra calories so you can keep your weight down if needed
  • Improves your mood
  • Can prevent falls and improve memory in older adults
  • May help you sleep better 2

What physical activities should I do if I have diabetes?

  • Ask your health care team what physical activities are safe for you. Many people choose walking with friends or family members.
  • If you have been inactive or are trying a new activity, start slowly, with 5 to 10 minutes a day. Then add more time each week.
  • Walk around while you talk on the phone or during TV commercials.
  • Do chores, such as work in the garden, rake leaves, clean the house, or wash the car.
  • Park at the far end of the shopping center parking lot and walk to the store.
  • Take the stairs instead of elevator.
  • Make your family outings active, such as a family bike ride or a walk in the park. 2

References:

  1. http://www.diabetes.org/in-my-community/awareness-programs/stop-diabetes-at-work
  2. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/diet-eating-physical-activity