4 TexasHealthMansfield.org Who’s your partner in primary care? Choosing a PCP is an essential part of living well If you don’t have a primary care provider (PCP), you’re missing out on a key partner in your family’s wellness journey. “Primary care and family doctors are the cornerstones of your health,” says John Hood, DO. PCPs play many important roles. For instance, they: Help prevent problems or catch them early through regular checkups and timely screenings. This includes heart disease risk factors—like high cholesterol— and hypertension and diabetes, which are easier to treat when found early. Summer is a good time to schedule an annual wellness visit, including any back-toschool checkups or sports physicals, with your PCP. Help you manage a chronic disease. A PCP can guide your care through routine visits and treatments that may include medications and healthy living recommendations. “I recommend a lot of lifestyle modifications, such as different dietary changes and exercise,” says Katherine Pederson, DO. “That’s one of the roles of the PCP.” Coordinate your care. Your PCP can refer you to other specialists, as needed, and coordinate care with your other healthcare providers. This helps ensure safer, more effective care. Prioritize whole-person health for you. Your PCP can create a plan to help you stay as healthy as possible over time. “Good health is all about keeping the body in balance—physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually,” Dr. Hood says. “When you keep those things in balance, your body’s in balance, and your quality of life can be immense.” Care for generations of your family. “I love watching my kids in my practice grow up,” says Dr. Pederson. “The teenagers come in and say, ‘I’m finally taller than you, Dr. P!’” Questions to ask when choosing a PCP include: Does this provider and office fit my personality? What are their office hours? How easy is it to get an appointment? If they’re unavailable, who covers for them? Find the right provider for you Visit TexasHealthMansfield.org/ Providers to learn more about our PCPs or schedule an appointment with Dr. Hood or Dr. Pederson.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODQ1MTY=