Proactively take care of your health

Proactively take care of your health

You’ve probably heard the saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away,” however, should you be trying to avoid seeing a healthcare provider? Establishing a relationship with a primary care provider, even if you feel healthy, is a much better solution to taking a proactive approach to your healthcare.

Primary care providers offer treatment of acute and chronic illnesses, specialize in the prevention and diagnosis of diseases, promote health maintenance, and provide patient education. With their knowledge of a wide variety of different health conditions, they are the experts that help to answer your questions and address any concerns you may have.

As the front door to health care systems, primary care providers are able to guide your healthcare journey; making sure you get the right care, in the right place at the right time. They coordinate referrals as needed to board-certified specialty providers that will best care for your individual needs. This specialty care can include cardiology, dermatology, endocrinology, oncology, pulmonology, and more. Both the primary and specialty care providers then work collaboratively to provide you with the best possible care.

One of the key ways to ensure you have successful long-term care with your primary care provider is to make sure they are someone you are comfortable with and trust. It should feel as though you are on a team with your primary care provider working to accomplish the same goal – helping you to achieve your best possible overall health and well-being. Your primary care provider should be someone you feel comfortable confiding in with all of your healthcare concerns. They believe that knowing each other best helps build trusting relationships that often lead to better care.

Aside from providing direct care, primary care providers are working hard to make the health care system work better for you. At Pinehurst Medical Clinic, we are working diligently behind the scenes to improve several aspects of care for our patients including costs, access and processes. We are committed to providing the best possible care to our patients and the communities we serve.

So the next time you think about not seeing a primary care provider because you feel healthy, remember that one of the best ways to take care of yourself is to establish a strong, trusting relationship with a primary care provider to help prevent you from becoming ill and easing the transition of care if you do.