Many people reserve doctors’ appointments for when they are sick. However, you should see your primary care provider at least once every year to ensure you are healthy. Delaying or forgoing preventative care sets you up for unexpected health complications in the future. Think of your primary care physician as a beacon who guides you through unfamiliar health information and a dependable resource for your needs to live a healthier life. If you don’t have a professional to go to for your health needs, you may be happy to know that South Texas Family Medicine and Urgent Care Center has a staff of experienced, compassionate healthcare providers ready to help you live the healthiest life possible. Read on to learn the benefits of having a primary care doctor.
Fewer emergency room visits
You are less likely to be hospitalized or go to the emergency care bryan, tx if you keep regular appointments with your primary care provider. One reason is that you see your doctor frequently, meaning they are most likely to detect emerging symptoms of a disease. As such, your doctor treats the problem during its early stages, when it is more manageable. Most of the time, delays can cause serious problems. But with proactive health screenings, you reduce your risk of serious medical issues.
Your primary care provider knows you better.
Very few healthcare providers know you as much as your primary care provider. Hopefully, your primary care provider is someone you see each year without fail, meaning they better understand your medical history, family health history, lifestyle habits, medications, personality, preferences, and health goals. This is valuable information when it comes to establishing your health and your risk for certain conditions. Because your primary care physician knows many details of your personal life, they are better equipped to help you prevent disease through screenings and lifestyle adjustments.
Reduced health costs
Seeing your primary care doctor regularly can significantly reduce your medical costs. Routine doctor visits also mean regular screenings, which are vital in catching early signs and symptoms of an illness. With early detection, your doctor will likely stop the serious disease from developing. For example, with regular screenings, your doctor can detect cancer during its earliest stage when it is easiest to treat. Therefore, you spend less money than you would have spent for medical procedures later on when cancer has spread to other organs.
Easy access to specialists
Specialists like neurologists, oncologists, etc., are often hard to find. But your primary care provider can offer easy access and referrals to various specialists. Furthermore, since the doctor understands your preference and personality, they will refer you to a specialist who is the right fit. Your doctor also works with the specialist to ensure they have all the medical information about you they need.
Better management of your chronic conditions
If you have a chronic illness, your primary care doctor won’t leave you to manage the condition alone. Rather, they will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan based on your condition, lifestyle, and preference. Your PCP will also offer support in managing side effects from medications. You will also have regular follow-up appointments with your PCP to help prevent the illness from worsening.
When last did you visit your primary care physician? Book an appointment with your provider at South Texas Family Medicine and Urgent Care Center for a routine checkup to ensure you are in good health.
