“It’s a personal relationship with someone who can become your long-term partner for health care.” — Dr. Montgomery “Monk” Elmer, Associate Chief Medical Officer of Primary Care, ThedaCare
Throughout the course of your life, you’re bound to experience ups and downs with your health. From a bout with flu to a diagnosis of a chronic condition, your primary care provider is there for you as your proactive partner.
Tracking and managing health amidst life’s many responsibilities is a difficult task for any person to handle on their own. Your primary care provider (PCP) and their team will come alongside you to help you navigate whatever arises.
“It’s a personal relationship with someone who can become your long-term partner for health care,” says Dr. Montgomery “Monk” Elmer, Associate Chief Medical Officer of Primary Care for ThedaCare.
Advantages of Having a PCP
Establishing and maintaining a relationship with a PCP is one of the best decisions you can make for your health. Here’s why.
1. Continuity of care.
When you develop a new illness, you likely have many care options available to you. Urgent or walk-in care provide great, time- and money-saving solutions when you need them. However, primary care offers something deeper in the long run.
Your PCP will get to know you and your health over time. They’ll understand your medical history, your preferences, and the factors that influence your health. Your PCP will take all of that into consideration as they guide you through your health care needs.
2. Better management of chronic conditions.
If you live with a chronic condition such as diabetes, heart disease, COPD, or depression, your PCP is in an ideal position to help you manage that. Because they have the whole picture of your health, they can recommend the most appropriate treatments, coordinate your care, and make specialty referrals when needed.
“Primary care folks specialize in you. They’re trained to recognize and treat about 90% of issues that walk in the door,” says Dr. Elmer, who also practiced as a family medicine physician for many years. “The other 10%, we’re also trained to know what we don’t know and who to send you to.”
3. Familiarity and comfort.
It can feel vulnerable and difficult to talk to a stranger about a health issue. Building a relationship with a PCP will give you a trusted confidante and adviser with whom to discuss your concerns. It’s a bond that’s mutually beneficial.
“That’s the part that gives joy to physicians and advanced practice clinicians,” Dr. Elmer says. “It’s like being part of a person’s family. We’re a trusted partner in your health.”
4. Superior preventive care.
Your PCP will help track and manage your health risks and oversee your need for preventive care. From vaccines to screenings, your PCP has an eye on it all. They can make recommendations based on your age, risk factors, and health history.
“Research shows that access to primary care is associated with positive health outcomes,” according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “Patients with a usual source of care are more likely to receive recommended preventive services such as flu shots, blood pressure screenings, and cancer screenings.”
5. Lower costs.
“Adults who regularly see a primary care physician have 33% lower health care costs and reduced odds of dying prematurely than those who see only a specialist,” according to the nonprofit coalition group Purchaser Business Group on Health.
“It’s high-quality care at a lower cost,” Dr. Elmer says.
6. Comprehensive care.
Your PCP and their team have the 360-degree view of your health. They’re watching out for needs that can get overlooked in other care settings.
“In addition to vaccines and screenings, it can be simple things like having conversations about advance care planning documents,” Dr. Elmer says. “Everyone 18 and older should complete these.”
“ThedaCare is pleased to offer care options to meet all kinds of needs,” Dr. Elmer says. “As you take advantage of those, we hope you’ll also enjoy the many rewards of establishing a long-term relationship with a PCP.”
