Just like a car needs the
occasional tune-up or a cell phone needs an update, so does your body! Primary doctors provide routine health care and are resourceful for those unexpected sick days. Although there are many, four reasons for having a primary doctor are listed below:
Save time and money!
A trip to a primary doctor first for preventative care and non-emergencies may assist with avoiding a trip to an emergency room or urgent care to save you money. In fact, if everybody did this, we would save about $67 billion annually. [1] Primary doctors have many of the same resources to request medical tests as doctors of the emergency room. In addition, you gain a more personalized experience within a shorter time frame. Less time is spent explaining your medical background to a primary physician, leaving more time to focus on your present health concerns.
Get Specialist Referrals & Recommendations
We can think of the primary doctor’s office as a hotspot where we can go to get treated or connected to a specialist, via a referral or recommendation. If the doctor believes specific care and attention is necessary, they may assist you with finding a specialist. This courtesy is helpful as the doctor’s office most often has established a working relationship with the specialist to whom they’re referring you to, and you don’t have the burden of searching for specialists your own. In 2009, “Patient complaints that lead to the most referrals are related to vision (21 percent), gynecological (18 percent), gastrointestinal (18 percent), orthopedic (16 percent), dermatological (15 percent), and cardiovascular (15 percent).” [2]
Keep track of Medical Records
A primary doctor maintains a medical folder just for you! This comes in handy when trying to remember the details of past diagnosis’, test results, procedures, and immunizations. More importantly, you and your doctor can monitor your health throughout the years. Many offices, including HealthNet, have online systems that allow patient access to medical records, lab results, and medicine/prescription records.
Build A Long-Lasting Relationships
As time progresses, you may feel more comfortable consulting with your doctor. Whether it be that your finger feels weird or experiencing intermittent heart palpitations, you can feel free to bring up both minor and major concerns at primary care appointments.
As you go through life, having someone on your side to help advocate for you is beneficial. Make the most of the process by researching the best doctor for you. Check out our Find a Provider database here at HealthNet for updated information and biographies of our amazing primary doctors.
[1] https://www.primarycareprogress.org/primary-care-case/ [2] https://www.3mhisinsideangle.com/blog-post/specialist-referral-primary-care-providers-information-need/
Posted by: Akiliah Walker, Marketing and Communications Intern
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