Now more than ever, people are focusing on their health and wellbeing. With COVID-19 taking a global toll on everybody and other ailments seemingly on the rise, it is crucial to be in tune with your body’s signals. One of the most important ways you can take care of yourself is by ensuring that you have a primary care doctor.

Working Towards a Healthier Future

It can feel a bit intimidating to search for healthcare services that best fit your needs. You may not even know exactly why a primary care doctor is necessary. At the most basic level, consistency is key. Having someone who is aware of your health history as well as your family medical history can be integral in preventing or catching concerns as they arise. They can prescribe the most appropriate medicine or treatment and refer you to other specialists. They keep detailed records of your history and alert you when you are in need of a vaccine or immunization.

Here at Care Station Medical, we encourage you to visit your doctor at least once a year for an annual check-up. This yearly maintenance gives you the opportunity to address any general concerns you have about your health. It can be a great opportunity to gain some peace of mind or clarification from an experienced professional.

Determining the Type of Doctor You Need

Having a primary care doctor for your family offers a multitude of benefits when it comes to ensuring your health. However, it can be daunting trying to figure out what type of primary care is best for you. Family practitioners have patients across all age groups, while pediatricians exclusively care for children and teens. Internal medicine providers focus their practices on adults. Doctors specializing in geriatrics offer care to the elderly. Gynecologists and obstetricians work specifically in women’s health and pregnancy. It may serve you to visit a few of these specialists if you have any specific concerns relating to these fields.

Getting Care During a Pandemic

The COVID pandemic has ravaged the globe these last few years. It can be difficult to find comprehensive care to address your COVID-19 concerns, especially if you are immunocompromised or suffer from any underlying health issues. Your primary care physician can often offer you resources for the COVID-19 pandemic, including PCR covid testing and covid rapid tests. They can provide you with general information and guidelines to protect yourself and your family.

Due to the pandemic and other external factors, there has been an uptick in medical visits over the last few years. This rings especially true for urgent care across the country. According to the Urgent Care Association, urgent care facilities in the country handle around 89 million patients annually. Without a primary care physician, you may be part of this statistic. With a primary care physician, you are able to gain information about your health over a long period of time, rather than seeing a different provider every time you step into urgent care.

Choosing the Right Provider for You

Your primary care doctor is going to be your go-to resource when you have a health concern. That means it is crucial to develop an honest and open relationship with a doctor that you feel comfortable with. Your primary care provider is there to provide you with the best care possible. Finding a doctor you can trust is so important in ensuring your health. When searching for a new provider, it may be wise to research their practice to determine if you will be a good fit. Consider calling to see if you can set up an informal interview with the provider you are interested in.

Alternatively, ask your family and friends for recommendations. Chances are that someone you know has a doctor that they absolutely love. If you have insurance, check with the insurance company to learn where your insurance is accepted. If you do not have insurance, care is still available. There are programs in place to aid in assisting patients who do not have insurance. It is crucial to keep in mind that without transparency, your provider cannot give you the best-suited care. It’s important to keep the lines of communication open to get the most effective treatments.

If you have been considering searching for a new primary care doctor for a while, then now is the time to take control of your health. At Care Station Medical Group, we offer comprehensive primary care, as well as urgent care services. Choosing us as a provider gives you access to the care you need, at any time. We also offer occupational care, immigration physicals, insurance information, and travel immunizations. Contact us today to set up an appointment!