Choosing a Primary Care Physician Can Help You Stay Healthier
Blue Daily
| 3 min read
People who have a primary care provider (PCP) are more likely to get annual physicals and preventive health screenings. By getting preventive health care, you're more likely to save on long-term health care costs.
A PCP is a family physician, general practitioner, internist, physician assistant or nurse practitioner who serves as your first stop if you have a health concern. They oversee your care in a holistic way, provide routine screenings, maintain medical records and can refer you to specialists if you need additional care.
About one-third of American adults don't have a designated PCP, and about a quarter of those are children.
What’s behind this trend? Most say long wait times and lack of convenience are the biggest factors. While there may be longer waiting periods when it comes to scheduling a doctor’s appointment when you’re sick, there are many more advantages to regularly seeing your primary care physician when you have a minor illness or injury, including:
- Centralized care: A primary care doctor can keep tabs on important vitals including blood pressure, cholesterol and weight through routine exams. By visiting your primary doctor, you are helping to build a comprehensive record that your doctor can use to figure out when things may be pointing to something more serious and coordinate care.
- Holistic treatment: Your doctor can also help keep track of important tests and exams you may need as you go through life.
- Develop trust: Not only does your primary doctor understand your family history and previous health issues, they are also there to answer your questions. It may be tempting to search your symptoms online to figure out what’s wrong, but your primary care doctor can be a source of truth to keep your health on track.
Choosing the right setting for care is an important decision. By building a relationship with a PCP, you're less likely to need to turn to an urgent care or emergency department setting for routine care that can be delivered in a doctor's office. Your PCP can also help you identify health problems before they're serious, allowing you to potentially save money and avoid costly, invasive procedures or treatments.
PCPs and HMO plans
If you have an HMO plan, you must have a PCP. For Blue Care Network members, you can select one yourself or Blue Care Network will assign one for you. This will help you get the medically necessary care you need at the right time.
To find a primary care physician, log in to your Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan account and use the provider search tool. Blue Care Network members can learn more about that process here.
Overall, a PCP will be there with you for the long haul, providing the comfort, stability and affordability you need in your health care journey. When your primary care doctor isn’t available, you always have other options like a retail health clinic, urgent care center or telemedicine choices like Blue Cross Online Visits℠ and the 24-Hour Nurse Line. Learn more about all these options at bcbsm.com/findcare.
Photo credit: Getty Images
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