What a PCP Can Cover

Maybe you haven't seen your doctor in a while— and you're not the only one. In 2018, more than a quarter of Americans didn't have a primary care provider (PCP).

The Journal of the American Medical Association found patients with PCPs are more likely to fill prescriptions and schedule preventative screenings. That's important because 70% of American deaths are caused by preventable ailments like heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

You might be surprised to learn that primary care providers can treat:

• Mental health issues. Before visiting a psychiatrist, talk to your PCP if you have depression or anxiety. Not only can they prescribe treatment for you, but your PCP can also help determine if the condition is tied to an underlying medical problem, such as a vitamin deficiency.
• Muscle pain. Whether you're coping with tendonitis or strained your back doing chores, your PCP can help. Even if you don't have pain, your provider can help you identify whether you're at risk for chronic inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
• Skin disorders. A PCP can treat acne, rosacea, warts, rashes, bug bites, cysts, athlete's foot and dandruff. However, if you have a condition that requires a dermatologist, your PCP can refer you to one. Studies show that more than one-third of patients in the nation are directed to a specialist by their PCP every year.
• Health screenings. A PCP can help you catch hypertension, diabetes and cancer symptoms early on—when the disease is most treatable. They can suggest treatments to prevent illnesses like the flu. The CDC reports the flu vaccine prevented 7.5 million cases and over 6,000 deaths between 2019 and 2020.

Choosing the right provider can be the beginning of a lifelong relationship. After an initial meeting, ask yourself these questions to get a feel for whether a new doctor is right for you.

• Are you comfortable with how conservative or aggressive the provider is about treatment?
• Do the office location and appointment hours fit your schedule?
• Do you like their bedside manner and communication style?
• Do you like their level of attention to wellness and prevention?
• Does the office staff return calls quickly?
• Is the provider easily accessible?
• Is the provider in your insurance network?

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