5 Reasons to Have a Primary Care Provider

Women make approximately 80% of all healthcare decisions for families according to the U.S. Department of Labor. They typically take the lead in choosing health plans, scheduling doctor’s appointments, and making sure loved ones get the care they need. Women are also more likely to step in as a caregiver when a family member falls ill. Unfortunately, some women overlook what might happen if they or a family member gets sick without having an established primary care provider. Too often it means either ignoring the problem or visiting an emergency room for an illness that doesn’t really require emergency care. Neither is the ideal choice. Instead, women are better served when they consider the importance of establishing an ongoing partnership with a primary care provider.

Better Preventative Care – Unlike physicians who specialize in treating one particular organ or disease, a primary care provider is uniquely trained to care for patients as a whole person, regardless of age or sex. Family Nurse Practitioner Mimi Starnes of Catawba Valley Family Medicine – Viewmont encourages patients to be engaged in their own care by forming a partnership with her as their primary care provider. “It helps when I can get to know you, your history and your family history prior to any urgent health event,” she says. “One of our main goals in primary care is to provide preventative care by identifying and treating minor problems before they become major ones.”

In addition to diagnosing and treating acute and chronic illnesses, a primary care provider offers routine health screenings and guidance about lifestyle changes in an effort to prevent illnesses before they develop. Patients can learn more about the recommended screening guidelines that help primary care professionals and patients decide together whether a preventative service is right for a patient’s needs.

A Key Resource – A primary care provider should be the first person in the healthcare system that you contact when you have a question or a problem. He or she can provide answers and care, or can recommend a specialist to meet your needs. Your primary care provider may also help you find other resources, such as support groups and classes offered locally through the CVMC Health First Center.

A Central Point of Contact – Think of your primary care provider as the quarterback of patient care. A key advantage to having a patient-centered medical home is the partnership you form to consolidate your medical care, health history and medical records into as few places as possible. Starnes says, “A primary care provider coordinates information between healthcare providers. So, when patients have questions, they can call us. We can also help make sure there is no duplication of care and testing, and that nothing is left out.”

Continuity of Care – If a health condition arises that requires care from another specialist, your primary care provider will work with you to achieve the best possible outcome in the most cost-effective manner. CVMG has over 55 providers providing a wide spectrum of health services at 14 family medicine practices in the greater Hickory region. It’s their job to be on the frontline coordinating care across the complete healthcare spectrum, including:

  • being the first point of contact for undiagnosed health problems
  • comprehensive, whole-person care
  • establishing trusted relationships and treating chronic problems
  • coordinating across other health services

Fewer Trips to the ER – “Another benefit of having a primary care provider is offering options that can help prevent unnecessary trips to the emergency room,” explained Starnes. “For example, I may be able to answer questions about a condition that concerns you, or suggest a course of action you can take at home. Emergency rooms are staffed to take care of true emergencies. For some people, going to the ER is a safety net and they have little choice. But that should really be the exception and not the rule. The emergency room cannot replace a good relationship with a primary care physician.”

Categories