Want to live a longer, healthier life? Finding a quality primary care physician that you trust may be one of the easiest ways to do it. According to the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), having a primary care doctor leads to ‘better health care… timelier diagnoses… and more prompt treatment when it is needed.’ In fact, the AAAS concludes that a close relationship with a PCP improves overall health outcomes.
Learn more about this important correlation below. Here are the top benefits of finding a primary care physician:
Necessary Help With Medical Management
Right now, medication adherence is regretfully low. Consumer reports reveal that the average person taking prescription medications needs four medications as part of their treatment. Whether patients require one or four prescription medications, the fact remains that 50% of patients are not taking them correctly. Patients may miss doses, stop taking necessary medications before the allotted period of time, or they may even take the wrong medication altogether. Working closely with a PCP can help drive down these numbers. Physicians can help track patients’ medications, medication adherence, and any negative side effects they may have from a particular medication.
Consistent Care
If you see your primary care physician on a regular basis, he or she will have a better grasp on your complete medical history and overall health. This helps them most accurately diagnose ailments and health conditions. It also contributes to better health outcomes and low cost healthcare.
Quality Preventive Healthcare
Unfortunately, as of 2018, 27.5 million adults and children did not have any health insurance, the U.S. Census Bureau reveals. Without health insurance, people of all ages are much less likely to go to the doctor, and as such, they are significantly less likely to receive preventative care. Regular, consistent care from a PCP may help stave off or even prevent serious health conditions like cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Plus, for those seeking reliable, low cost healthcare, preventive care is markedly less expensive than reactive treatment. It is less expensive to keep an eye on your blood sugar levels and adjust your diet, for example, than it is to purchase insulin, lancets, and a blood glucose monitor.
There are several benefits of having a primary care physician. Find a primary care doctor you trust to live a longer, healthier life, and to pick up on any red flags or health conditions that need attention right away.
