If you have a chronic condition, it makes sense to see your specialist regularly to keep the condition under control. But it also makes sense to stay on top of yearly appointments with your primary care provider (PCP). You should see your PCP first for any new health concern.
4 Reasons Care From Your PCP Is Important for Your Health
Knows the big picture of your health
Your PCP is your “go-to” person for health care. Your PCP is focused on taking care of you as a whole person and understands your overall health status. Your PCP looks at the big picture—your physical, mental and emotional health—and can measure your vitals to compare them to previous visits. This makes it possible to flag potential health problems and identify issues before they become more serious. Plus, your PCP can work with your specialists to coordinate your care.
Top Tip: Be sure to follow up with your PCP after a hospital stay or an emergency room visit.
Helps you stay on top of your medications
You might be taking multiple medications, and this could open the door to drug interactions and possible side effects. Your PCP can review all the medications you take—including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, supplements and vitamins—to make sure they work together safely for you. Your PCP might know if a new health concern is actually a medication side effect.
Also ask your PCP about a long-term supply of your maintenance medications. Depending on your plan, you may be able to get up to a 100-day supply. And that might save you money.
Optum Rx Mail-Order Pharmacy
Get prescriptions filled and delivered to your home.
See your member website, or call the number for your plan:
Peoples Health Group Medicare plans: 1-888-279-1828
All other plans: 1-877-889-6358
Helps make sure you’re up to date on preventive care
Preventive care is important to your health. Your PCP can help you stay current on annual screenings, making sure you get the tests and vaccinations you need.
Builds a better bond with you around your health
An annual wellness visit is a chance for you and your PCP
to get to know each other more and create a stronger
relationship. That’s a benefit of these visits, and we
encourage you to schedule your next one. The more you and
your PCP work together, the more confident you’ll feel about
the health advice you get. And that goes a long way toward
keeping you healthier.
Ask your PCP about:
A1c tests
Blood pressure screenings
Flu shot
Mammogram
Eye exam
Colon cancer screening
(be sure your PCP knows
the date of your last one)
