In the world of health care, primary care plays an essential role, serving as the cornerstone of a healthy life. Regularly seeing a primary care provider (PCP) is important at every age and stage of life. Your PCP can help you maintain good health and stay on the path of wellness. They can also guide you if you have a health concern and need specialty care.
Dr. Robert Bayne, a family medicine physician at Atrium Health Primary Care Barnett Family Medicine RedStone, explains how your PCP can support you through each phase of life.
What is primary care?
Primary care includes comprehensive services like:
- Routine check-ups and annual physicals
- Health screenings
- Immunizations
- Management of chronic diseases like diabetes
Your PCP may be a physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner. PCPs serve as a “first line of defense” in your health care and are usually the first to:
- Evaluate and treat health problems
- Coordinate your care
- Refer you to specialists — such as a cardiologist, dermatologist or endocrinologist — as needed
“Primary care providers get to know you over the years and keep a record of your health screenings, test results, past health concerns and family history,” says Bayne. “Their job is to see the ‘big picture’ of your overall health.”
There are several crucial reasons to have a PCP:
- Preventive health
- Continuity of care
- Coordination of care
- Management of chronic diseases
- Access to health care
- Better public health
Preventive health
Primary care is essential for preventing health problems or addressing them early before they become severe.
When you see your PCP each year, they can monitor numbers like your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels. If they notice significant changes, they can help you get on the right treatment plan to address issues before they cause severe health issues.
"Prevention is the best medicine,” says Bayne. “Controlling a patient’s elevated blood pressure today could save them from a heart attack in the future.”
Continuity of care
One of the greatest advantages of having a PCP on your medical team is continuity. Over time, your PCP will develop a comprehensive understanding of your health history, family history, lifestyle and preferences. This long-term relationship also allows you to build trust with your provider, which is crucial for personalized, effective care.
“One of the best parts of my job is building relationships with my patients,” says Bayne. “Getting to know them and their goals over the years enables me to create a personalized health care plan that addresses their unique needs.”
Coordination of care
Health care can be complex, so having a central point of contact who knows your medical history can make coordination more seamless.
“Having a resource who can coordinate with specialists and other health care professionals ensures all aspects of your health are addressed,” says Bayne. “This coordination helps avoid unnecessary costs, conflicting treatments and redundant tests.”
Management of chronic diseases
If you have a chronic condition like asthma, diabetes or hypertension (high blood pressure), you need regular monitoring and treatment plan adjustments to keep these conditions under control. When your chronic conditions are well-managed, you’ll enjoy a better quality of life and fewer complications.
Access to health care
PCPs are often the gateway to a health care system.
“Primary care providers are often the first ones to identify when a patient requires more advanced care or needs to see a specialist for treatment,” says Bayne.
Primary care can also help you receive more timely care.
“Many health problems don’t require a specialist’s care and can be managed by a primary care provider,” says Bayne. “Many conditions can be addressed by your PCP at the same visit where a diagnosis is made.”
Better public health
Primary care is also essential for good public health. Research shows that areas with higher numbers of PCPs have better health outcomes. These positive outcomes include lower rates of all-cause mortality, cancer and heart disease.
Primary care also helps reduce the burden on the entire health care system.
“Primary care is the foundation of a healthy society,” says Bayne. “Without it, the health care system would be overwhelmed with treating unmanaged chronic conditions and preventable illnesses.”
Primary care isn’t just about treating illnesses and symptoms. It’s also about creating a healthier, more informed population.
“Primary care is truly the first line of defense for your health,” he says. “When you see your primary care provider regularly, you’re prioritizing your health.”
Need to schedule an appointment with a primary care provider? Find an Atrium Health primary care provider near you. Call us 24/7 at 1-844-235-6997 or make an appointment online.
