Primary Care Physicians: Why You Need One

Having a primary care physician can play a vital role in keeping you healthy. Here's why you should choose a good one today.

You're young and you're healthy. You don't need a primary care physician -- you can just go to an ER or an urgent care clinic for the occasional broken bone or bad cold, right?

Wrong. Here are three reasons why it's important to have a primary care physician:

1. Saves you money: Emergency Department visits are usually more expensive than doctor visits. And not all urgent care visits are covered by health insurance, meaning you will have to pay out of pocket. Also, many health insurance plans require people to see a physician first to receive referrals to other specialists and physicians.
2. Saves you time: A primary care doctor who knows you and your health well can make a more accurate diagnosis far better than a physician who just met you. A correct diagnosis can avoid unnecessary tests, medicine and costly follow-up care.
3. Keeps you healthier: Recent studies have shown that patients who have a primary care doctor and see them regularly have more satisfaction with their care, lower healthcare costs and better management of any chronic diseases.

This is because the role of a primary care physician is largely preventive. By scheduling regular checkups with a PCP, patients can identify health problems early on and treat them. They can also learn how to make better lifestyle choices.