Advertisement
Having a PCP means knowing where to go for a range of concerns — that’s a good thing for your lifelong health
If you have a medical need — suddenflu symptoms, nagging back pain, an unexpected rash or funky mole— who you gonna call?
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
A primary care provider (PCP), that’s who. That is, if you have one.
But one in three people in America don’t have a PCP. That’s 100 million children and adults who are missing out on an important relationship, says family medicine specialist Sarah Pickering Beers, MD.
PCPs and family medicine providers aren’t the same thing.
Your PCP may be a family medicine provider. Or they can be an internist, which is a doctor who specializes in adult care. Or a geriatrician, who specializes in caring for older adults.
If you have a go-to provider that you consistently turn to for routine care, congratulations! You have a PCP.
The relationship you develop with your PCP is an important one. Here are a few reasons why it matters.
Let’s start with probably the most important reason to have a PCP: It can keep you healthier. (And, really, that’s the whole goal, right?)
Advertisement
Studies show that access to primary care is associated with better health.
“In areas of our country where there is more primary care, health outcomes are superior, with lower costs,” Dr. Pickering Beers reports. “Research shows people who regularly visit a PCP are less likely to be hospitalized, and death rates are lower for cancer,heart disease and stroke. Infant mortality rates are also lower, birth weights are higher and rates of immunizations against once deadly diseases are higher.”
Because they’re trained to care for children, adults and seniors, a family medicine provider can help guide you through each stage of your life. And they can monitor changes to your health over the long term.
“We can treat newborns, toddlers, teens, people in their 20s, middle-aged adults and people well into their 90s,” Dr. Pickering Beers shares. “And we often see these same patients for years or even decades. That means you can build a lasting relationship with a family physician.”
When doctors treat you for years, they get to know you inside and out. That helps them make accurate diagnoses, watch for red flags and personally monitor changes in your health through the years.
When family medicine providers treat other members of your family, it gives them an intimate and informed view of your personal and genetic health.
“Seeing multiple generations of a family can help a doctor record an accurate, in-depth family health history,” Dr. Pickering Beersnotes. "For example, if I know you had cancer at a young age, and so did your mother, that’s a red flag. I can recommendgenetic counseling and offer a screening plan not only for you but also for other family members at risk.”
Sure, any healthcare provider can (and likely should) ask you about your family history. But what if you don’t know much about it? Or you forget to mention that your paternal grandpa had prostate cancer? The closer you and your family work with a family medicine provider, the better the chances they can connect those generational dots.
And medical history is just part of the picture. Sometimes it helps to know what’s happening in your day-to-day life, too. When treating a child whose parent just lost a job, for instance, that information can help a family medicine provider to better understand any signs of stress or anxiety. And recommend appropriate support services.
"When doctors treat you for years, they get to know not just your medical history — they get to know you,” Dr. Pickering Beers emphasizes.
You can go to your PCP for family doctor for everyday health needs, like:
Advertisement
And the list goes on (and on and on).But they also can also be your quarterback and cheerleader as you manage chronic conditions, like:
You’ll likely see specialists to help you manage such conditions. But your PCP is the one who can see the fuller picture and help you manage your health at the highest level.
When you need to see a specialist for heart disease, cancer or any other serious concern, your PCP can help find someone who fits your specific needs — and personality.
Here’s an example: “Say I have a patient who needs to see a cardiologist. I know from years of experience that this patient prefers conservative treatments,” Dr. Pickering Beers says. “That means I’ll search for a cardiologist who takes a conservative-first approach rather than someone known for aggressive treatment.”
Medical emergencies require a trip to the ER. Your PCP isn’t the place to go if you think you’re having a heart attack or if you’re in a serious car accident.
Advertisement
But far too many people in the U.S. rely on emergency medicine as their primary source of care.
Look at your insurance card. Chances are you’ll likely see that you’ll pay much more for a trip to the ER than a visit to a primary care office. So when you have a nagging cough or you think your kid has strep throat again, hitting up your family medicine doctor can keep more money in your wallet.
While most family doctors will cover the same kinds of conditions and have similar medical knowledge, there are other things to consider when choosing a PCP who fits your needs.
For example, you may want to consider whether they have special training in certain health areas. Take note of any areas that best align with your health needs — like sleep medicine, behavioral health or pain management.
Here are some other factors to think about when choosing a family doctor:
Not only do family medicine doctors provide comprehensive care for your and your family’s health throughout different stages of your life, but they can also give you the confidence to take charge of your own health. This makes family doctors a good jumping-off point for any questions or concerns you have about your well-being — especially if you don’t know where to start.
Advertisement
Learn more about our editorial process.
Advertisement
Make your home a no-fly zone by cleaning your drains, refrigerating your produce and DIYing a fruit fly trap
If you wash regularly and change your underwear as needed, this can be a safe (and liberating) alternative to pads and tampons
Dehydration, spinal fluid leaks and other conditions can cause positional headaches when you stand up
Tetanus is easy to prevent but tough to treat — vaccines are your best defense
This satisfying, involuntary act of yawning and stretching helps release tight muscles
Bug bites create tiny openings in your skin that can let in dangerous bacteria
Being short on fluid causes hormonal imbalances, brain fog, sleep issues and more
Kissing bugs are insects that can carry a dangerous parasite that causes Chagas disease
If you’re feeling short of breath, sleep can be tough — propping yourself up or sleeping on your side may help
If you fear the unknown or find yourself needing reassurance often, you may identify with this attachment style
If you’re looking to boost your gut health, it’s better to get fiber from whole foods