6 Reasons to Find a Primary Care Doctor – March 23, 2021

Even the healthiest people feel under the weather from time to time and need to see a doctor. This is why it is important to have a primary care physician (PCP) you can trust, even if you think you don’t need a doctor. PCPs provide many benefits, not only for your physical health, but also for your mental health. Our team at One Community Health in Sacramento has come up with this list of 6 reasons why you should find a primary care physician if you don’t already have one:

 

1. You could live longer

Research has shown that people who have access to primary care have a longer life expectancy. This is because PCPs focus on:

• Preventive care (immunizations, mammograms, colon cancer screenings).
• Early identification of health issues. PCPs are often the first to notice warning signs of things like depression, cancer, or heart disease.
• Management of chronic illnesses (diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure). Better management of these diseases means you are less likely to be hospitalized or need surgery.

 

2. You will save money on healthcare costs

Preventive care is cheaper than costly hospitalizations, medications and surgeries to treat illnesses. For this reason many preventive care services are covered entirely by insurance. 

On average, adults who have a primary care physician spend 33 percent less on health care costs than those who don’t.

 

3. You will save time

A primary care physician has a wide breadth of expertise and can address multiple health issues in one appointment. This may save you unnecessary trips to different specialists. They can also help you navigate our complex healthcare system, saving you time, rather than trying to figure out overwhelming processes on your own. 

When you have a primary care physician, you don’t have to start from scratch every time you see a doctor. Your doctor will already know you and your health history, so you won’t have to repeat the process over and over at every appointment.

 

4. Your healthcare will be simplified

There are some issues that PCPs cannot handle and you will need to see a specialist. Whether you need to see a neurologist, your child needs a dermatologist, or anything in between, your primary care doctor can refer you to the right specialist. They will coordinate care and share vital medical information with the specialists to ensure the process is as smooth as possible. 

 

5. You will have a trusted advocate

Finding a PCP that you continue to see over the years can be very valuable. As with any relationship, the more you get to know your doctor, the more likely you are to develop trust with them. This makes it easier to share important personal information that can help them treat you. Moreover, the better your doctor knows you and your health history, the better they can care and advocate for you. 

 

6. You will avoid trips to the ER 

Many people who don’t have a PCP have no choice but to go to the ER or urgent care for simple health issues, such as a sinus infection. These options are much more costly and time-consuming than visiting your doctor’s office. 

Affordable Primary Care Physicians in Sacramento

As you can see, the benefits of having a PCP are many. We know that finding a doctor you like and trust can be a daunting process, but at One Community Health we make it easy. We boast some of the best primary care physicians in Sacramento for the whole family—we offer primary care in family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics. Meet our doctors and find one that’s right for you. You owe it to your health to find one today. 

Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (3/23/2021) by Parentingupstream from Pixabay