The Importance of Primary Care
A Primary Care Provider (PCP) is a major contributor to your health and typically, your first point of contact for health concerns. Your PCP takes your overall well-being into consideration when making suggestions about preventive care, managing chronic illnesses, providing referrals to specialists, and making recommendations about your healthcare, such as important screenings and vaccinations.
Do I need a Primary Care Provider?
When it comes to your health, good communication matters. A Primary Care Provider provides personalized care and will assist you with making difficult healthcare-related decisions, if necessary. No matter your age or health status, a PCP plays a valuable role in your health journey.
The benefits of Primary Care
Developing and maintaining a long-term relationship with a PCP allows them to become familiar with your medical history and for you to build trust in them. Let’s face it, best case scenario, you will share this healthcare journey for a long time. Your PCP focuses on preventing health complications and will help you manage chronic health conditions by regularly monitoring your symptoms and making helpful suggestions to improve your quality of life.
In the case of hospitalization, your PCP is essential to managing your care after you have been discharged. They are there to make sure you understand your diagnosis, prescription medication changes, durable medical equipment needs and post-discharge care instructions, so you don’t end up back in the hospital.
Establishing a strong, long term relationship with your PCP can be a game changer when it comes to your overall health. If you have not had a routine appointment with your PCP in a while or do not have a PCP, now is the time to engage.
Need help selecting a PCP?
1. Log in to your Member Portal, MyBlueKC.com, and click on Find Care OR
2. Call the Customer Service phone number on the back of your member ID card.
SOURCES:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/16507-the-importance-of-having-a-primary-care-doctor
https://www.verywellhealth.com/pcp-what-is-a-primary-care-physician-1738758
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001939.htm
https://www.aafp.org/about/policies/all/primary-care.html
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/why-do-you-need-a-primary-care-physician-2019081917527
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
