When you think about going to the doctor, you might think about being sick. But your main doctor, called a primary care provider or PCP, does much more than just help when you don’t feel well.
A great PCP helps you and your family stay healthy all the time. They learn about your health over time and help you make smart choices to feel your best.
What Does a Primary Care Provider Do?
Primary care means regular checkups and help with everyday health. It’s a big part of staying healthy, not just getting better after you’ve been sick.
A primary care provider:
- Keeps track of your health history
- Gives regular checkups and vaccines
- Helps with problems like diabetes or high blood pressure
- Sees you when you’re sick or hurt
- Follow up to make sure you’re getting better
- Sends you to a specialist if needed
Why Families Need a PCP
If you’re a busy parent, especially a mom taking care of the whole family, a PCP focused on family medicine can make your life so much easier. Instead of going to a lot of different places for care, you have one doctor who knows you, your family, and can treat everyone.
Here’s how that helps:
- A family medicine provider can give kids, teens, and adults the care they need for their age
- If you need to see a specialist, your PCP not only helps you find one, but also makes the required referrals and speeds up the doctor-to-doctor communication
- PCPs also check in on everyone’s mental health, like anxiety or stress, which is important for both kids and adults
With a good PCP, your family’s care is simpler, safer, and more connected.
Other Types of PCPs
Some people don’t need one doctor for the whole family. Luckily, there are other kinds of primary care doctors who can help.
- Internal medicine doctors help people age 18 and up. They can manage long-term health problems like high cholesterol and arthritis, and make sure you stay healthy with regular checkups and tests. They’re experts in adult care.
- Pediatricians take care of babies, kids, and teens. They help with checkups, shots, tracking growth milestones, and treating common childhood problems like ear infections or asthma. If your child gets sick, a pediatrician knows just what to do.
How to Pick the Right Doctor
Choosing the right primary care provider is a big deal. It’s not just about who is nearby. You want someone you trust and feel comfortable talking to.
Ask yourself:
- Do they listen and explain things clearly?
- Do you feel like you can talk to them openly?
- Can they take care of your whole family, if needed?
- Can you get an appointment when you need one?
Finding the right PCP is like picking a teammate for your health. Understanding what is important to you and your family can help you find a PCP who is the right fit for you throughout your healthcare journey.
Primary Care at Hancock Health
At Santé Hancock, we’re committed to making your best health possible. That starts with helping you find the right primary care provider for your family. Our doctors are located throughout Hancock County, in Greenfield, McCordsville, New Palestine, and Knightstown. Many of our offices offer same-day appointments, extended hours, and care for kids, so you can get the care you need, when and where it works for you.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you’re due for a checkup, new to the area, or looking to reconnect with regular care, now is the perfect time to find a provider who fits your needs.
Find a provider and call to schedule your appointment today.
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