4 TexasHealthMansfield.org Why is primary care so important? Having a primary care provider (PCP) is a great investment in your health. A PCP is a physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant or other provider that you see for your main healthcare needs. Here are four things you should know about PCPs: 1Your PCP can help you avoid health problems. Your PCP can give you regular checkups and preventive services to help you stay healthy. These include annual wellness visits, health screenings and healthy lifestyle counseling. Some health problems don’t have symptoms at first. Your PCP can identify these problems early, when they may be easier to treat. “It is important to have a PCP even when you’re healthy and feeling fine,” says boardcertified nurse practitioner Bobby Brite, M.S.N., APRN, FNP-C. “That is the ideal time to begin to set wellness goals and to monitor your health for any problems that may arise.” 2Your PCP can help you manage your overall health. Your PCP can treat unexpected injuries and illnesses, as well as chronic diseases. If you need to see other specialists to manage your health, your PCP can refer you and coordinate your care. 3PCPs build relationships that boost their patients’ wellbeing. “I enjoy getting to know my patients and working with them to help them achieve their best level of health and wellness for years to come,” says Bobby. 4Having a PCP may help you save money. People who have a PCP tend to spend less on healthcare overall. Good reasons for a yearly visit In addition to your yearly physical, your PCP can help you with: Healthy lifestyle goals, like losing excess weight. Staying safe and preventing injuries if you or your child plans to participate in sports or recreational activities. Family planning goals, if desired. Looking for a PCP? Go to our website, TexasHealthMansfield.org, and then click on “Find Providers.”
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzIxMDA=