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Why you should see a primary care doctor

GEHA | October 4, 2021

Health and wellness Everyday health Well-being
A primary care doctor plays an important part in helping you stay healthy.

Staying healthy is more than just going to the doctor when you’re sick. It’s about having a primary care physician who addresses your health concerns, answers your questions and takes a proactive approach to help you stay healthy.

It is important to establish care for you and your family with a primary care doctor. Many people stay with their primary care doctor for years, developing a relationship and bond of trust. This familiarity provides added insight and allows your doctor to deliver more personal care.

A primary care physician is a health manager. They are trained to handle all aspects of health care but may send you to a specialist if your condition calls for more focused care.

Here are some reasons to see a primary care physician:

  • Routine physicals and wellness screenings, immunizations, preventive care and blood tests.
  • Treatment for non-emergencies such as a cold, the flu and other common illnesses.
  • Diagnosis and management of common illnesses and chronic conditions like diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD).
  • Treatment of conditions such as depression and anxiety.
  • Management of prescriptions.

A primary care physician plays an important part in helping you stay healthy. If you don’t have a primary care physician, you can use our Find Care tool to find an in-network provider .

Sources:
“What is a Primary Care Physician?” webmd.com, WebMD, LLC, 1 July 2021.
“The Importance of a primary care provider” www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org, Mayo Clinic Health System, 7 April, 2015.