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

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.

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:

• Have 19% lower odds of premature death than those who only see a specialist
• Save 33% on health care compared with people who only see a specialist
• Are hospitalized less often and make fewer emergency room visits

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.