Benefits of having a primary care physician

Having a primary care provider (PCP) is one of the first steps in prioritizing your health. When illness, injury or health-related questions strike, it’s helpful to have a doctor you trust in your corner. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), adults with an established PCP are more likely to fill prescriptions, maintain annual visits and receive recommended health screenings.

"Seeing our patients regularly gives physicians the opportunity to know [them] on a personal level, which helps to build trust,” says Malalia Zoltani, MD, Saint Agnes Care Family Medicine Physician. “The more I know about a patient’s medical history and personal life, the better care I am able to provide, because I know their individual needs, risks and preferences.”

Here are a few additional ways you can benefit from having a PCP:

Individualized care

Everyone’s personal health needs are unique. Consistently seeing the same doctor allows your physician to become familiar with your health and family history, which can help them determine your personal risk for certain diseases and conditions. For example, if you have family history of colon or breast cancer you may need to start annual screenings at an earlier age or at a higher frequently than what is recommended.

Seeing a doctor regularly can also help you catch an underlining condition before it becomes chronic. Many diseases like diabetes or heart disease can be caught in early stages from routine blood test or blood pressure checks that take place during your annual physical.

Access to specialists

Accessing specialty care without a referral can be tricky. Many specialists, like orthopedic surgeons or dermatologists, require a referral from a PCP before you can schedule an appointment. Most insurances also need proof that the visit is necessary prior to your appointment to approve coverage. Skipping out on a referral from your PCP could cause delays in care and unexpected costs.

Increased access to care

Being established with a provider means you have access to simple and convenient care. You can reach your physician through email or MyChart for basic questions, and office staff can assist with prescription refills or scheduling same-day appointments, if available. Most clinics also offer virtual care as an alternative to an office visit if you are unable to come in person. Plus, if you need more immediate care for an illness or injury, you can often see another physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner in the same office if your primary physician is out of office or has a full schedule. 


Which PCP is right for me?

There are different types of Primary Care Physicians but the two most common are Family Medicine and Internal Medicine.

Family Medicine doctors specialize in treating whole families – from the littlest members all the way to the most senior. These physicians are trained on a broad spectrum of medical issues at all stages that people of all ages may experience.

Internal Medicine physicians only treat adults. Their training focuses on adult-specific conditions and preventive care. Knowing the difference can help you pick the right provider for your needs.

Find a primary care provider now

Saint Agnes Care offers both Family Medicine and Internal Medicine providers at multiple locations in Fresno and Clovis to meet your individual needs.

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