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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nThere are\nmultiple factors that can account for this trend. One reason is our ability to\nresearch and self-diagnose illness on the internet. Another factor is the\nrecent proliferation of \u2018urgent care centers\u201d where individuals can seek\nconvenient care. While both of these advents do have their benefits, neither should\ntake the place of a primary care physician.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are\nmany benefits to having a primary care physician, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Familiarity \u2013 Simply put, your PCP knows you best. Through regular appointments, they will get to know you, understand the intricacies of your health, and develop a trust that will foster communication and allow them to provide more personalized care.
<\/li> - Comprehensive care\u2013 Your PCP is usually your first point of contact for care. They are familiar with your medical history and know what questions to ask to ensure that you receive appropriate care.
<\/li> - Prevention and management \u2013 Your PCP is not only responsible for treating you when you are sick. By conducting routine screenings, they can monitor for the existence of any potential chronic conditions or diseases and help you manage and treat them once detected.
<\/li> - Coordination \u2013 While a PCP is trained to manage most physical and mental health conditions, they also understand when specialty care is necessary.\u00a0 They can provide referrals to experts and serve as a hub to ensure that information is appropriately shared between providers.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
It has been\nfound that those who have a PCP receive more preventative screenings and better\nmanagement of chronic conditions. They also require fewer visits to the Emergency\nDepartment, are hospitalized less and generally live longer, healthier lives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you would like to schedule an appointment with a primary care physician at Jamaica Hospital\u2019s Family Medicine Center,<\/a> please call 718-206-6942.<\/p>\n
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.<\/strong> <\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Your primary care physician (or PCP) is typically your first point of contact when you needed non-emergency medical treatment. They are trained to treat most conditions and if they can\u2019t provide care, they can help you find a specialist best … Continue reading