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Do I Need a Primary Care Physician?
The average cost of treating common primary care conditions at an emergency room rather than a physician’s office is about 12 times higher. In practical terms, a patient will pay, on average, $2,032 for treatment that a primary care physician could have rendered for approximately $167.
Chronic diseases are the leading cause of death and disability in the United States, with 6 out of every 10 adults having at least one chronic condition and 4 out of 10 adults having two or more conditions.
Statistics like those above illustrate why every person, child, or adult needs a primary care physician.
What Is a Primary Care Physician?
A primary care physician (PCP) is a doctor that oversees all of a patient’s health care, even if the patient receives partial care from specialized physicians. PCPs, take continuing responsibility for providing a patient with comprehensive care that often includes chronic, preventive, and acute care in inpatient and outpatient settings. This type of physician receives specific training in comprehensive primary care services during their residency or fellowship.
What Is Primary Care?
Primary care consists of integrated healthcare services that general practitioners and their support teams provide to patients. Primary care extends beyond the physician-patient relationship and includes non-physician providers such as nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and administrative staff, all playing a part in the primary care ecosystem and each vital in creating a sustained partnership with patients.
What Kinds of Conditions Can a Primary Care Physician Treat?
Primary care providers are a patient’s first line of defense against illness and disease. They treat and manage a wide variety of ailments and conditions. Some examples of health issues and concerns they commonly treat include:
- Flu
- Ear infections
- Sinus infections
- Urinary tract infections
- Back pain
- Sprains
- Bronchitis
- Arthritis
- Allergies
- Asthma
- High Cholesterol
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Vaccinations
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Depression
- ADHD
- Weight loss management
- Help to quit smoking
A PCP can diagnose and help manage various common illnesses, such as viruses and infections, along with chronic conditions, such as obesity or heart disease. Primary care doctors are trained to handle all aspects of healthcare but may refer you to a specialist if your situation requires it. They will facilitate the referral and play a critical role in communicating with specialists or non-physician healthcare providers.
Who Needs a Primary Care Provider?
Everyone needs a primary care provider. Primary care is vital because it serves as a crucial means for preventative care, including early detection and treatment of disease. Patients who receive care from a physician familiar with their medical history are more likely to get preventive services such as vaccinations, blood pressure monitoring, and screenings for diabetes and cancer.
Without a primary care doctor, newly developing health conditions can get missed, which often occurs when a patient sees multiple doctors.
One of the simplest ways a patient can support their own long-term good health is to partner with a primary care physician.
5 Key Advantages of Having a Primary Care Doctor
- A primary care doctor can advocate for you and support you in navigating the complexities of healthcare insurance providers. They can work with you to get diagnostic procedures and treatments approved by your insurance even if the insurance company initially says no.
- PCPs provide faster diagnoses. Relationships with a PCP can last decades, allowing them to notice changes in health more readily, reducing the time it takes to finalize a diagnosis. By partnering with a PCP, an individual will receive continuity of care and gain a healthcare partner familiar with the nuances of their particular medical history, thus enabling the highest level of care.
- Many providers reserve appointment slots exclusively for established patients; therefore, having a relationship with a PCP will shorten the time it takes to secure an appointment.
- PCPs, help patients save money. Having regular check-ups and visiting a PCP for preventative care reduces the need for costly emergency room and urgent care center visits.
- Primary care doctors are in the best position to view and manage all of a patient’s medications and can help identify potentially harmful drug interactions.
How to Select a Primary Care Doctor
When selecting a provider , think about what is most important to you. You might decide you want a doctor who can receive prescription refill requests electronically or one who has an online patient portal that makes booking an appointment quick and easy.
You might also find out what other services the practice offers, such as onsite diagnostics like X-rays , behavioral health services , or clinical trials.
What type of office hours do you need?
Do you want a practice that is close to your home?
After you have narrowed down your list, check the credentials of the doctor you selected by looking online to see their certifications and specialties.
When finished, booking an appointment for a wellness check is a great way to begin a relationship with a primary care physician.
How to Find a Primary Care Physician Near Me – Denver
If you are searching for a primary care physician in the Littleton or Denver areas, look no further, as Colorado Primary Health Care has everything you need to receive personalized, integrated health care.
Your primary care physician at Colorado Primary Health Care will be your dedicated health partner guiding you through everything from routine preventative care to chronic disease management. Our team uses the latest medical research and technology to keep you healthy and to diagnose ailments when they arise.
We take patient care seriously and invite you to learn more about what we can do for your health by booking an appointment using our online form or calling our office at (303) 703-8583.
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