It’s National Primary Care Week! Do you have a primary care provider (PCP)? If you don’t, now is a great time to schedule an appointment to get established with one. Your PCP is your first point of contact for common health issues. PCPs also coordinate your care.

Here are five reasons to see a PCP at least annually:

• Your PCP provides comprehensive care. A PCP doesn’t just treat you when you are ill. At annual wellness exams, you can talk with your provider about preventive care that helps keep you healthy. PCPs can also help with managing chronic conditions such as high blood pressure.
  
  
• You can stay on top of your health needs. Your PCP can help you decide which immunizations to get, teach you how to make healthy lifestyle choices and recommend important health screenings.
  
  
• Routine visits to your PCP can lead to earlier and more effective treatment. Because PCPs get to know you well, they are usually the first to spot signs of diseases such as cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure.
  
  
• Your PCP serves as a central point of contact for your healthcare. This means that your PCP coordinates with various physicians and specialists to manage your overall care and prevent conflicting treatments or medications.
  
  
• With a PCP, you have a go-to healthcare provider for all your non-emergency health concerns. If you stay with the same PCP over time, they become a trusted partner in managing your health.

Who Is a Primary Care Provider?

Different types of PCPs include:

• Family practitioners. They treat children and adults of all ages.
  
  
• Pediatricians. These physicians specialize in the care of newborns, infants, children and adolescents.
  
  
• Geriatricians. These PCPs often treat older adults with complex medical needs related to aging.
  
  
• Internists. The scope of their practice includes the care of adults of all ages for many different medical problems.
  
  
• Obstetricians/gynecologists. They often serve as a PCP for women, particularly those of childbearing age.
  
  
• Nurse practitioners (NP) and physician assistants (PA). These providers have a different training and certification process than doctors. They may be your PCP in some practices.

Be sure to check your insurance plan coverage before selecting a PCP.

Looking for a Provider?

If you are looking for a primary care provider, Aultman Medical Group Primary Care has more than 80 providers ready to take care of you and your family. Many of our offices are accepting new patients – and more than likely, we have a location in your community.

Visit aultman.org/NewDoc to find a provider in your area who is accepting new patients, or call the new patient hotline at 330-433-1264 for assistance with scheduling your appointment.

Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
MedlinePlus
Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services