According to a 2015 survey conducted by the American Academy of Family Physicians, primary care doctors spend a weekly average of 33 hours in direct encounters with patients.
Sure, scheduling an annual physical with your primary care provider (PCP) is a good idea, but there are other reasons to schedule an appointment, too.
Almost half of all visits to healthcare providers in the U.S. are to specialty offices, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While specialists are uniquely qualified to help you overcome specific problems, you can save yourself some time, and possibly get treated faster, by first paying a visit to your PCP.
You might be surprised to learn that primary care providers can treat:
- Mental health issues — Before you visit a psychiatrist, talk to your PCP if you have feelings of depression or anxiety. Not only can he or she prescribe treatment for you, your PCP can help determine if the condition is tied to an underlying medical problem, such as a vitamin deficiency.
- Muscle pain — Whether you’re coping with tendinitis or strained your back doing chores, your PCP can help. Even if you don’t have pain, your provider can help you identify whether you’re at risk for chronic inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
- Skin disorders — According to a 2014 study in the journal Cutis, approximately half of all skin conditions can be treated by primary care providers. Your PCP can be a helpful ally, treating more than the occasional rash or case of poison ivy. He or she can perform skin cancer screenings, get to the root of inflammatory skin conditions, eliminate warts, and help you with acne or rosacea, among dozens of other issues.
A PARTNER FOR YOUR HEALTH
Primary care doctors can offer advice about which specific cancer and health screenings you need based on your age and family and personal medical history. Choosing the right provider can be the beginning of a lifelong relationship. After an initial meeting, ask yourself these questions to get a feel for whether a new doctor is right for you.
Start with questions of style:
- Are you comfortable with how conservative or aggressive the provider is about treatment?
- Do you like his or her level of attention to wellness and prevention?
- Do you like his or her bedside manner and communication style?
Consider convenience:
- Do the office location and appointment hours fit your schedule?
- Is the provider easily accessible?
- Does the office staff return calls quickly?
Remember the issue of coverage:
- Is the provider in your insurance network?
EVERYDAY WELLNESS An internal medicine or family practice doctor can serve as your primary care provider.
For information about primary care options near you, visit www.LaPorteHealth.com and click on “Find a Doctor.” If you need to be seen for an urgent issue and your primary care doctor isn’t available, you can conveniently save your spot in line at the La Porte Physicians Urgent Care office by visiting www.laportehealth.com. Do the waiting at home!
