Health is the most valuable asset of life, yet most people do not give much thought to their healthcare until something goes wrong. When it comes to maintaining one’s overall well-being, having a suitable primary care physician (PCP) is one of the most important steps in one’s health journey. Whether one is in perfect health or managing chronic conditions, a good primary care physician is essential for providing comprehensive care, building long-term health strategies, and navigating the often complex world of medicine. Here are five reasons for which it is important to have a good primary care physician:
- Health is a component to life that must be personalized and monitored. A good primary care physician does not just wait for illness to strike as they are necessary to help one stay healthy and prevent disease. By developing a relationship with their patients over time, primary care physicians can track your medical history, monitor your risk factors, and spot early signs of health problems prior to them becoming serious or threatening. A reliable primary care physician prioritizes the concept of preventative care. Regular check-ups and screenings can catch health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer at their earliest, most treatable stages. Preventative care is the cornerstone of managing long-term health, and a primary care physician is the key person in making sure one’s health is monitored and stays on track.
- Healthcare is about more than just treating ailment as it is also about establishing trust. When one has a primary care physician that they can rely on, they are more likely to be honest about their symptoms, lifestyle, and concerns. This open communication allows for better diagnosis and treatment plans. In addition to building a trusted relationship that prompts patients to feel more comfortable asking questions and receiving answers, a good primary care physician serves as their health advocate in a complex medical system. Trust between a primary care physician and their patients ensures the best standard of care possible.
- According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), about sixty percent of Americans are diagnosed with one chronic disease. Numerous chronic conditions like heart disease, asthma, arthritis, and diabetes require monitoring and ongoing care. A good primary care physician can help by preventing complications, adjusting medications, and recommending lifestyle changes. A primary care physician is better equipped to catch signs of problems early which leads to overall better health outcomes. Patients will be more likely to stay up to date on screenings, medications, and vaccines.
- By having a good primary care physician, one can save both time and money. Most people avoid visiting the doctor until they feel ill and have no other choice, often leading to emergency room visits or urgent care situations that are both more expensive and less comprehensive than seeing their primary care physician. One can prevent more serious, and often more expensive, problems by having a trusted primary care physician. One’s doctor can save time by directing their patients to the most appropriate specialist and by reducing unnecessary tests. A good primary care physician ultimately saves one’s time and money in the long run of their personalized health journey.
- There are two components to one’s personal health that deserve attention and care: physical health and mental health. One’s mental health is just as important as their physical health, and a good primary care physician can support one’s mental well-being. Many primary care physicians are trained to recognize signs of mental health issues such as anxiety, stress, and depression. A good primary care physician can offer resources to refer their patients to a mental health professional. Primary care physicians create a holistic care plan that includes both physical and mental health, ensuring one receives well-rounded care for their overall well-being.
A primary care physician should be the foundation of one’s health journey. As one’s partner in health, a good primary care physician offers continuity of care, preventative guidance, and support through every stage of life. Whether it is managing chronic conditions, preventing illnesses, or simply answering health related questions, having a good primary care physician is a critical investment in one’s long-term health. It is critical for a good primary care physician to prioritize preventative health, establish trust with their patients, manage chronic conditions, save their patients’ time and money, and monitor mental health in addition to physical health. Every person should take the time to find a primary care physician who can help guide them on their specific health journey. An annual visit with one’s primary care physician is covered by most insurances including Medicare. A good primary care physician is not to be used only when one is sick, but to maintain health and keep one well for years to come.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule your annual wellness preventative exam with Fulshear Family Medicine, check out our website www.fulshearfamilymed.com. In addition, please call us at one of our locations: Fulshear Family Medicine – Fulshear: (281)-356-0018 or Fulshear Family Medicine – Sugar Land: (281)-491-0094.
Author
Dr. Anisha Waxali, MD
For more than twenty years, Dr. Anisha Waxali, MD has worked in Sugar Land, Texas as an internist. After receiving her medical degree from McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Dr. Waxali started her own practice called Town Center Physicians. In addition to serving her patients from across the greater Houston area, Dr. Waxali is also the owner and medical director of Fulshear Family Medicine. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Waxali has maintained key relationships with specialists and been affiliated with several hospitals in the greater Houston area. Dr. Waxali's medical interests include chronic illnesses, women's health, heart and vascular disease, nutrition, sleep disorders, and other areas of expertise. Fluent in Hindi, Gujarati, and Spanish, Dr. Waxali prides herself on being able to connect with all of her patients. In addition to practicing medicine, Dr. Waxali enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
