1. PCPs are trained to treat people of all ages for a wide range of medical issues. They know
when to refer a patient to a specialist for more advanced care.
They also catch potential health problems before they become severe, so that patients spend
less time in the hospital and save money in the long run. This is a very valuable service that
virtually everyone needs.
Your first line of defense
A primary care physician is your first line of defense, guiding you through the sometimes
confusing and overwhelming healthcare system. PCPs are trained to assess and treat a variety
of medical issues, from minor ailments like strep throat or the flu to more complex problems
such as diabetes or high blood pressure. They also prioritize disease prevention by encouraging
regular check-ups and health screenings to help identify potential health issues at their earliest
stages, potentially preventing or limiting their severity.
A good PCP takes the time to get to know their patients, listening intently and communicating
clearly. They understand that navigating the health care system can be challenging, and they
work hard to make it as easy as possible. Many PCPs offer telehealth services, making it easier
to schedule an appointment at a time that’s convenient for you. They also ensure their practices
are staffed with friendly, efficient office staff, which helps minimize the amount of time you
spend waiting for your appointment.
The right PCP can make all the difference in your health journey, providing personalized care
and continuity of care. When choosing a PCP, be sure to take the time to research providers in
your area and find one who meets your unique health needs. Consider a provider’s education,
board certifications, and office hours to make the best decision for you.
Coordinate your care
Your PCP is your primary point of contact in the healthcare system, and they are responsible for
coordinating your care. They keep track of all the information from the specialists you visit and
tests you undergo, so they have a complete picture of your health. They also make sure that all
your doctors and specialists are on the same page, so they are working together toward your
overall health goals.
While PCPs are trained to treat a wide range of medical conditions, they are also skilled in
preventing illness and disease. They can teach you how to live a healthier lifestyle and help you
detect and manage common illnesses, such as the flu or the common cold. They can also
prescribe medications and screen you for diseases such as diabetes or cancer.
Many people choose their PCPs based on personal referrals from friends, family and co-
workers, or they may be referred by a specialist or hospital. Your health insurance company will
typically keep an online list of network physicians that you can choose from, and many offices
allow you to meet with a doctor before selecting them as your new PCP.
2. However, PCPs are hesitant to engage with a health system that requires them to collaborate
more closely with their colleagues. Contextual factors such as strained relationships between
hospital specialists and community PCPs, feelings of responsibility, isolation and disconnection,
and professional pride can influence the readiness of PCPs to participate in system reform
initiatives.
Refer you to specialists
A patient’s PCP doctor is often the person to call for a referral to see a specialist. This helps
minimize the hassles of insurance authorization, specialist access and patient history retrieval. It
also means that the PCP doctor is familiar with that specialist and has a good working
relationship with them.
Specialists are trained to treat diseases or health problems that are outside the scope of what
primary care physicians (PCP) are trained to do. That’s why PCPs are essential to healthcare.
PCPs can help prevent medical issues by recommending lifestyle changes or screening tests to
identify risk factors early. They can also treat minor health concerns such as the common cold
and manage long-term health conditions, like diabetes or high blood pressure.
While PCPs can handle many health concerns on their own, they often refer patients to
specialists when the problem is complex or outside their expertise. However, the number of
patients referred to specialists varies widely, as does the type of specialty (e.g., surgery versus
medical).
When a referral is made, the PCP sends the specialist a form with the relevant medical records
and the reasons for the referral. This way, the specialist can diagnose and treatment the
condition and report back to the PCP. In addition, the specialist should contact the PCP to
schedule follow-up visits and communicate any new information regarding the patient’s
progress.
Be your advocate
Having your PCP as your guide will help you with your day-to-day health needs, as well as
those unexpected emergencies that can occur. They are the ones who get to know you and
your health history and will be able to detect early signs of health problems that may not show
up on screenings. They can even help prevent medical issues from developing by
recommending lifestyle changes, making sure you are taking medications properly, or
addressing risk factors that can lead to an issue.
PCPs come from a variety of backgrounds, so it’s important to find the right one for you. They
will have different education, training, and patient care philosophies, which can vary by specialty
or type of practice. For example, internists (doctors who have completed a residency in internal
medicine) are great choices for adults and can treat a wide range of medical issues, while
geriatricians specialize in treating older patients with a variety of health challenges. Some
subspecialists also serve as primary care doctors for specific populations, like allergists caring
for patients with asthma and nephrologists providing PCP services for those on kidney dialysis.
3. During your search for the best PCP for you, make a list of what you’re looking for in your
doctor. Consider things like office location, days and times of availability, insurance affiliation,
and whether or not they’re accepting new patients. Bringing a list of any prescriptions and over-
the-counter medicines you’re currently taking to your appointment will also be helpful for your
doctor to review in order to ensure there are no harmful interactions between medications.
