A primary care provider, or PCP, is your main point of contact for health care in non-emergency situations. Think of this type of health care provider as the quarterback of your entire health care team, the central point person whose role it is to coordinate your overall patient care, treatment, and education.
- Overall, your PCP is key to:
- Providing preventive care and guidance on how to achieve a healthy lifestyle.
- Diagnosing and treating acute common medical conditions, such as cold, flu, infections, etc.
- Treatment and management of chronic diseases, such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes.
- Determining the severity of your medical problems, so he or she can direct you to the most appropriate care provider.
- Referring you to medical specialists when conditions require more targeted treatment.
In addition, a PCP ensures prescribed medications will not adversely affect other medications or supplements you may already be taking. Over time, your PCP learns your health history and what is most important to you and your long-term wellness. This high-level oversight ensures all of the treatments, medications, therapies, and recommendations from various providers are as effective as possible.
