Establishing a Primary Care Physician
You’ve probably heard the term “primary care”, but many of us don’t really know what that means. Primary care covers prevention, wellness, chronic condition management, and treatment for a variety of health concerns, whether physical, behavioral, or social. A primary care physician looks at the complete picture of health and considers the patient’s family background and health history.
Think of a primary care provider as a “general practitioner,” or your personal doctor. They provide everyday health care and act as a “home base” for your overall wellness. Your provider can help you manage chronic conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes. Primary care providers also give referrals to specialists when you need additional medical expertise to treat a specific condition.
Who provides primary care?
Primary care has five main types of providers patients can see for a variety of health topics.
- Family medicine: Providers in this field can care for your whole family and see patients of any age, including newborns. They also provide reproductive healthcare, including prenatal care.
- Internal medicine: These doctors, commonly known as internists, provide primary care for adults or older youth.
- Pediatrics: Pediatricians provide care for newborns through adolescents.
- Obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN): Providers in this field provide care for women at every stage of life. They specialize in reproductive health and offer family planning services.
- Family nurse practitioners (FNP) and physician assistants (PA): These providers care for people of all ages. They undergo extensive education and training programs that equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to diagnose and treat common illnesses and injuries.
Why is primary care important to your health?
Primary care helps you stay well by preventing issues from getting worse. Regular visits allow your primary care provider to get to know you and address any changes in your health. Routine screenings and tests can help detect an underlying health concern or prevent diseases. Often, identifying problems early makes them easier to treat. Your primary care provider can help you stay up to date on vaccines or screenings (mammograms, cervical cancer screenings, colon cancer screenings and more). These simple things can help you avoid major surgeries, medications, and/or hospitalizations for life-threatening problems.
What is included in primary care?
Providers can answer questions or concerns on any health topic. They are trained to administer exams, offer vaccinations, prescribe medications and address changes in your health. They can also order tests, X-rays, scans, or other imaging to help reach a diagnosis.
If you have an emotional or mental concern, you can and should talk to your primary care provider. Their goal is to help with things that can hinder your overall well-being, including mental health challenges like stress and depression.
UC Davis Health. (2023, June 29). What is primary care? learn why you should partner with a provider for your health. Cultivating Health. health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivating-health/what-is-primary-care-learn-why-you-should-partner-with-a-provider-for-your-health/2023/06.
Choosing a Physician
The doctor-patient relationship is critical. Your primary care provider is generally responsible for advising and educating you about your health care decisions, as well as examining and treating you. You also want to find someone you can trust and talk openly with about your health.
- Decide what kind of doctor fits your needs. Assess your health care needs to understand what kind of doctor (e.g., family practice physician, general practitioner or internal medicine physician) will be the best fit.
- Check your insurance network. Once you’ve found some doctors that can address your health care needs, check to see if any of the doctors are in your insurance network. Alternatively, you could also search the provider directory on your insurance company’s website to find doctors near you.
- Check doctors’ locations and hours. You will be more likely to get the health care you need if the provider is close to your home or workplace and available at times when you’d be able to go.
- Ask for referrals. Family, friends, and co-workers can share their experiences to help you gauge whether their respective providers could be a good fit for you. You can also ask other health care professionals you’re already working with who they’d recommend.
- Do your research. It’s always good to check credible sources for information about health care providers. At a minimum, your primary care provider should hold the appropriate licensing and board certifications in the areas of medicine they practice.
- Connect with office staff. Staff can answer logistical questions about office hours, average wait times for appointments, after-hours care, on-call services, online patient portals, and telemedicine offerings. You may also get an informative first impression from talking with clinic staff.
- Schedule an appointment. Once you have chosen a provider, schedule an appointment to review your medical history and any health concerns.
It may take some time, but it’s worth carefully assessing and selecting the right primary care provider for your health care needs. When you feel comfortable with your doctor, you’re more likely to keep up with preventive care and address any health concerns.
– Mental Health Moment –
Self-Love
Self-love is a fundamental aspect of fostering a healthy and resilient mind. At its core, self-love involves cultivating a positive and compassionate relationship with oneself, knowing your value, embracing your strengths, and accepting your imperfections without criticism.
How Does Self-Love Impact Mental Health?
- Boosts Self-Esteem: Taking good care of yourself and embracing self-love can improve your self-esteem and self-worth, fostering a positive self-image and acceptance just as you are. Acknowledge and celebrate your wins!
- Lowers Tension and Worry: Allocating time for self-care activities can notably decrease levels of stress and anxiety. It allows you to disconnect from the chaos of daily life and focus on your own needs.
- Boosts Resilience: Loving yourself sets you up to bounce back stronger when life throws curveballs. When you love and care for yourself, you develop the strength and tools to help you recover from setbacks and approach difficulties with a more positive mindset.
- Improves Relationships: A good relationship with yourself can improve your connection with others. When you’re comfortable in your own skin, you can authentically connect with those around you. This fosters stronger and more meaningful connections.
- Encourages Positive Habits: Engaging in self-love challenges promotes positive habits. Looking after yourself, setting boundaries, and staying present can boost your mental well-being.
Make self-love a priority in life. Set aside time for yourself each day, whether it’s 5 minutes of solitude in the car for a breathing routine or a couple of hours to enjoy an activity you love. Regularly invest time in nurturing your relationship with yourself. You’ll discover the profound impact it can have on your mental health and overall well-being.
