Your PCP is a health care MVP
GEHA | February 17, 2020
Developing a long-term relationship with a primary care provider, or PCP, can be key to your long-term health. By checking in with regular annual check-ups, your doctor will be better able to monitor your overall health and wellness.
What is a PCP?
A primary care provider is usually your go-to health care resource in non-emergency situations. Your PCP’s role is to:
- Provide preventive care and teach healthy habits
- Identify and treat common medical conditions
- Make referrals to medical specialists when necessary
Over time, a PCP will develop a baseline for your well-being by identifying your unique risk factors for disease, managing any chronic conditions and acting as a point person if you need care from specialists or you are admitted to a hospital.
What type of physician is a PCP?
Your primary care provider can have a variety of backgrounds. You can choose from:
- Family practitioners
- The scope of their practice includes children and adults of all ages and may include obstetrics or minor surgery.
- Geriatricians
- This type of doctor serves as a PCP for older adults with complex medical needs related to aging.
- Internists
- This practice includes the care of adults of all ages and many different medical issues.
Whichever kind of primary care provider you choose, add a yearly checkup to your annual checklist.
If you don’t have a PCP, GEHA can help you find a physician in your area.
Sources:
“The Importance of Primary Care Physicians.” pennmedicine.org, Penn Medicine, 7 February 2020.