Having a primary care doctor can be essential to your health. Not only are they there for you when you’re sick, but they are also there to make sure you stay healthy all the time. Here are some important benefits of having a primary care physician as you get older.
1. Lowered Health Care Costs Overall
Seeing your primary care doctor on a regular basis can lower your health care costs. By having regular health screenings and open communication with your doctor, you’re more likely to stop serious illnesses from developing. Treatment at the earliest stages is more affordable.
2. You Receive a More Personalized Treatment
Having a one-on-one established relationship with your doctor helps in maintaining open communication. It’s important to make your needs known and for them to explain your treatment plan in ways that are clear, and easy to follow.
3. (Heading Off) or Managing Chronic Illnesses
According to the Centers for Disease Control, 6 in 10 Americans have a chronic illness, and 4 in 10 have two or more chronic illnesses. Some of the most common chronic illnesses are diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, obesity and heart disease. By working closely with your primary care physician, you can lead a healthier life and keep these illnesses under control and managed.
4. Access to Specialists
Your primary care doctor can provide you with access and referrals to a wide variety of specialists for treatment outside of their scope. They will also provide specialists all the medical information they need to ensure you receive the best treatment available.
5. Overall Health & Wellbeing
Studies have shown that those who have primary care physicians are actually healthier than those who do not. Those who keep regular appointments with their doctors are hospitalized less and have fewer visits to the ER. Yearly routine health screenings are recommended. Your doctor will order blood work that will check your cholesterol, blood sugar, and other important aspects of your health such as thyroid, kidney and liver function. Checking for serious, chronic illnesses that are caught early on could greatly impact your overall health.