The Person Every Body Needs
If you haven't been to the doctor in a while, you're not alone. In 2018, over a quarter of Americans didn't have a primary care provider (PCP). This number is only growing larger—especially among Millennials.
The Kaiser Family Foundation reported:
- 45% of 18 to 29-year-olds had no PCP
- 28% of those 30 to 49-year-olds had no PCP
- 18% of those 50 to 64-year-olds had no PCP
- 12% age 65 and older had no PCP
Maybe you, too, have avoided the doctor's office because you're worried about the cost or had a negative experience in the past. If that's the case, maybe it's time to reconsider having a medical professional who can help you manage your health. Here are four big reasons you should seek out a primary care provider in 2022.
Doctor-patient bond.
A consistent relationship with a doctor means you interact with a care team who has in-depth familiarity with you, knows your health history and your family's health history, and helps you understand if you have risk factors for certain diseases. Your PCP, usually a general/family practitioner or an internist, can help you manage multiple ailments and medications and keep your preferences and beliefs in mind during treatment.
Helps find specialists.
PCPs also can refer you to a specialist if they can't provide the care you need for a specific condition. This is a process that some insurances, like HMOs, require before you can see another physician. Studies show that more than one-third of patients in the nation are referred to a specialist annually.
Keeps you on track.
A 2019 Journal of the American Medical Association study found adults with PCPs are more likely to fill prescriptions and schedule preventative screenings for various cancers. Those patients were also more likely to book services like flu shots and blood pressure checks. Even if you're perfectly healthy, your doctor can provide screenings to catch high blood pressure, diabetes and other conditions early on.
General health management.
Your PCP is the doctor you see for non-emergency care like annual checkups, new health problems or ongoing health problems. This means you have a personally cultivated care plan that could improve your quality of life if you battle a chronic condition like anxiety, headaches or obesity.
Finding the Right PCP for You
You want a lasting connection with your doctor, so it's vital you find the right person.
Searching for a PCP.
While you could ask around for recommendations, the National Institutes of Health recommends using the Medicare.gov Physician Compare tool. Make sure doctors you consider are accepting new patients, covered by your insurance plan and have an office location convenient for you to visit.
Ask questions.
After you narrow down a list of potential candidates, ask the office staff to answer these questions before selecting a provider:
- How can you contact the staff with questions, whether by phone, email or a patient portal?
- Are telehealth appointments available? Which type of visits can be handled through the phone or video conference?
- Does the provider have experience treating a chronic ailment you might suffer from?
- What is the care team's approach to general health and wellness?
After the first visit, ask yourself if:
- You were comfortable with the doctor and staff, including communication styles.
- The PCP listened to and answered your questions sufficiently.
- You and the care team are on the same page about the approach to medical treatment.
Find a Doctor
Are you ready to start 2022 off on the right foot? Take the first step by finding your primary care doctor.
Find a Doctor
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