Staying healthy is hard sometimes. Routinely going to a primary doctor can help you in your health journey. With Corus Advantage, you can check in with an experienced doctor who will ensure you stay healthy and in good shape. Primary care doctors can help treat the most common illnesses, which you may experience at various points of your life, as well as help minimize the chance of these illnesses coming back.
This article explains everything that you need to know about primary care doctors, from understanding what is a primary care physician to finding out what to do if you don’t have a primary care doctor.
What is a Primary Care Physician (PCP)?
One of the top questions many people typically wonder is: what is a primary care physician?
To answer the question of what is a primary care physician, you must first know that they are experienced doctors who can help you with preventing and curing many common illnesses that you might be facing or come across during your lifetime.
A primary care doctor will also take a proactive approach in seeing how your health and diet are doing and can provide quality advice to keep you feeling as good as possible. In addition, they monitor your weight and height to check if there is anything out of the ordinary. If your primary doctor suspects that further testing is needed, they can refer you to specialists who can evaluate any issues further.
Part of maintaining good health is also ensuring you are up to date on vaccines. While the most common vaccine is the annual influenza vaccine, there are several other vaccines, dependent on your age and health risks, available to maintain health and prevent disease. If you are behind on your flu shots and other vaccinations, your doctor will let you know and advise you of your vaccination schedule, so you can stay up to date on your immunizations.
What Else Does a Primary Care Physician Do?
Primary care doctors address all general healthcare problems. If you ever have a health issue or concern and would like to talk to someone about it, a primary care doctor should be the first person you call.
But what does a primary care physician do exactly and what does general healthcare entail?
The first aspect of healthcare that general health covers is preventative treatment. The primary care doctor will review your diet and assess your body composition, and then decide if there is anything you need to be doing to prevent potential illnesses or diseases from occurring.
They also focus on treating common illnesses. Millions of people worldwide get sick with a fever or the flu now and then. By visiting your primary care doctor, they can treat all of your common illnesses by prescribing antibiotics if needed and help you get back on your feet in no time.
Another aspect of medical care that primary doctors help with is diagnosing and screening for more severe conditions. Once the doctor checks your health, they may recommend that you go through additional screening or testing at a specialist’s offices. They often do this as a precaution, as it is better to catch these diseases early for the best outcome. Early diagnoses of diabetes, hypertension, or other conditions can be actively managed and help patients have better experiences of care later on.
In addition to what a primary care physician does, it’s important to recognize their role in helping those with chronic conditions. If you suffer from a chronic condition, your doctor can help you by providing advice and guidance to better manage your specific condition. In some cases where the condition or illness is more severe or advanced, a primary care doctor can refer you to a medical specialist to ensure that you are in the best hands.
Oftentimes, patients and their families keep visiting the same primary care doctor for many years. This way, the longer the patient stays with the same doctor, the better the doctor can understand their patients’ needs and form a bond of trust over time.
What Happens at an Appointment with a Primary Care Doctor?
When you first visit a primary doctor, they will mainly be interested in how you’ve been feeling lately, your overall medical history, and if there is anything that they can recommend to make you healthier and feel better. They may even perform a general exam so they can have a holistic view and idea of your health.
After this first appointment, future appointments will mostly be focused on specific health topics, such as how to overcome an illness that you may be facing or how to improve your general wellness and diet.
It’s a good idea to take notes if you have any questions that you would like to ask them and if there is anything that you have been feeling recently that you would like to be checked. Most of the time, these appointments don’t take too long so it’s best to be prepared to ask any questions you may want to be answered and make your time with the physician as productive as possible.
What If I Don’t Have a Primary Doctor?
A common question is, what if I don’t have a primary doctor? Even if you are not currently suffering from an illness or health problem just yet, it’s always a good idea to have a primary doctor on hand. This way, whenever the time comes, you can contact them when needed.
However, if you are struggling with an illness but don’t have a primary doctor to contact, you may be wondering how to best navigate your specific health situation. This happens to many people, especially the younger population, as almost half of millennials ages 18-29 do not have a primary doctor they can contact.
Finding a doctor who is the right fit for you and who can understand your health and provide effective solutions in an easy and digestible manner is quite important. Another important factor is finding a doctor who is local to you, so visiting them can be as easy as possible.
If you fall in the category of not having a primary care doctor, you’ll be happy to know it is quite easy to find one. Most primary doctors are a phone call or website booking away and are eager to help you with all your health and wellness needs.
Book an Appointment with a Primary Care Doctor Today
From minimizing the chance of recurring illness to diagnosing diseases early and everything in between, primary care doctors can be very valuable to your life. They can help your mind be at ease and keep you living a healthier and longer life.
If you are looking for a local primary care doctor, look no further. Corus Advantage is ready to help. The affiliated primary care doctors are experienced, professional, and are ready to answer any questions patients may have.
