Why Having a Primary Care Provider Is So Important

Primary care physicians play a crucial role in keeping people healthy. In fact, an increase of 10 primary care physicians per 100,000 people is enough to significantly reduce patient death related to cancer, cardiovascular issues, and respiratory disease, according to a JAMA Internal Medicine study.

The ability of primary care physicians to recognize the early signs of a serious health condition is one of the most important reasons why primary care is so vital in keeping you healthy. The team at East Valley Serenity Health in Gilbert, Arizona, offers a patient-centered holistic approach to helping you maintain wellness. 

Preventive care is the foundation of our primary care services. Our team has extensive training and experience preventing, diagnosing, and treating acute and chronic conditions. Keep reading to learn why having a primary care provider plays a key role in staying healthy. 

What does primary care encompass?

You've probably heard the term "primary care" in a medical setting before, but you might not know what it means. Primary care physicians specialize in family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics, and are the first point of contact for patients. 

Primary care physicians provide various, vital health care services, including

• Disease prevention
• Diagnostic services
• Health maintenance
• Chronic disease management
• Acute care
• Counseling
• Wellness promotion
• Patient education

Primary care physicians play an important role in securing appropriate care in addition to serving as your initial care provider and acting as gatekeepers for more specialized services. If you injure your knee, for example, you should see a primary care physician, who may then refer you to a joint specialist or orthopedic surgeon.

Primary care has long been regarded as the face of medicine, and it continues to be the backbone of modern health care. General practitioners assist patients and businesses in keeping health care costs low by prioritizing more cost-effective primary care services and recommending more specialized services only when absolutely necessary.

Primary care physicians provide invaluable health guidance

Our team is trained in both physical and mental health. We can coordinate your health and provide referrals when necessary. Because everyday factors contribute to your health, our team focuses on you as a whole person, taking into consideration your lifestyle and habits to provide health guidance. 

Routine checkups give us the opportunity to track your health and alert us to potential problems early on, when they’re easier to prevent and treat. 

Best way to manage chronic conditions

Millions of Americans are living with chronic diseases like high blood pressure, arthritis, high cholesterol, and diabetes. These conditions are challenging to manage on your own. If you have a chronic condition, our team will schedule regular testing to track your progress and how well your treatment is working, and use the most up-to-date information to make any necessary tweaks to your treatment plan to keep you well and help you feel and function your best. 

What can primary care do for me?

Primary care providers are vital for helping you navigate your health. Our physicians and staff listen to your specific concerns and help you make informed decisions about your health. We form a collaborative relationship with patients to create personalized goals and wellness plans that address your unique health needs.

Our providers emphasize health education, appropriate screenings, and chronic disease prevention with a comprehensive approach and broad knowledge of each organ system and disease type. 

Make your health a top priority. To learn more about our primary care services, give us a call to schedule a visit with one of our providers or book an appointment online today. We’re here to help you along the path of maintaining wellness.