Crawford County Memorial Hospital issued the following announcement on October 14.
During October, Primary Care Providers (PCP) around the country come together to focus on the importance of improving care for their patients.
We do our best to stay healthy by making nutritious food choices and exercising regularly but getting a little help from the experts is another important step to take. It goes beyond just going to a clinic appointment when you are sick. It’s important to have a healthcare team that also takes a proactive approach to help keep you healthy. This is where a primary care provider comes in.
Family medicine is an essential part of the primary care workforce. In fact, more family physicians and advanced practitioners offer primary care in the U.S. than any other specialty. Not only that, family medicine providers best match the geographic makeup of communities in the U.S., meaning many underserved communities rely on their family medical providers as a lifeline.
Primary care providers (PCP) are our first resource to a healthier life. They are the family practice, general practice, pediatricians, gynecologists, and internists who become familiar with our family history, lifestyle, and everyday needs. Many of us spend years with the same PCP, and we rely on them to provide a variety of care.
Primary Care Week is also an opportunity to learn what services your PCP can offer you. While they often perform routine health screenings, they also treat minor illness and chronic conditions, too. These providers prescribe and manage our medications and coordinate with other specialists as part of larger care team when serious illness occurs.
Aside from the points mentioned above, there are additional benefits to having regularly scheduled visits with your PCP. One example would be that you have a healthcare professional who knows the ins and outs of your overall health. This can be beneficial if you need to go to a specialist. They can not only refer you to one, but they can help you to communicate important information to the specialist to ensure you receive the best care possible.
When you see your PCP regularly, you develop a level of comfort with them. This can help you feel at ease when discussing difficult topics related to your health. You also come to trust their opinion, so it makes you feel more confident when making health decisions.
CCMH offers on its website family medicine provider profiles as well as profiles on all visiting specialists. Once you’ve made your selection, request an appointment. You can do this online or by calling 712-265-2700. Above all, you can enhance your clinic experience by being an advocate for your own healthcare. Building a relationship with your primary care provider is the best way to ensure long-term success for your medical care.
Original source can be found here.
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