What is primary care? Simply put, it’s where you go when you’re sick, for yearly physicals, and routine care. But really, primary care is much more than that. Like a trusted friend who’s there to help you through all of life’s events, your primary care provider knows your health baseline and can recognize deviations from it. And like a friendship, primary care is a two-way street, with regular visits being essential. Discover what primary care is all about, and why it’s so important. 

A Long-Term Relationship 

Your primary care provider is the doctor, nurse practitioner (NP), or physician assistant (PA) who sees you routinely. Primary care is your first stop for everything about your health, from routine checkups and vaccines to injuries or illnesses. They’re familiar with things like that mole you’re both keeping an eye on, any allergies you may have, or that you’ve been struggling with anxiety or depression. This history provides context to help your provider catch anything that deviates from what’s normal for you. 

Routine Visits and Preventative Care 

Primary care isn’t just for when illnesses or injuries occur. One of the most important reasons to routinely see your primary care provider is to catch potential problems or prevent the progression of known conditions. Those yearly physicals? They’re instrumental for early disease detection. Your primary care provider knows when you’re due for recommended tests and screenings, and will help you stay on top of potential or growing concerns. 

Confidence and Convenience 

Need a prescription refill? Your primary care knows everything you take, so refilling or changing prescriptions is fast and easy. Are new or changing symptoms concerning you? A visit with your primary care provider can put your mind at ease, or help you find a specialist if further testing is needed. Since your primary care provider knows you, your conditions, and your history, they’re able to recommend lifestyle changes or medications with confidence, having a clear picture of your whole health. And, once you’ve become an established patient with a primary care provider, it’s more likely that you’ll be able to get an appointment on short notice when illnesses or concerns arise.