If you’re like many people across the country, you’ve put off going to the doctor this year due to worries about contracting COVID-19. But establishing a regular relationship with a primary care provider (PCP) is one of the best things you can do for your health.
Most Common Illnesses in Primary Care
In addition to annual checkups, a PCP can help you manage chronic conditions, along with common illnesses. In fact, according to research, checkups are just one of the top reasons why people see a PCP. The most common illnesses and conditions for which people visit are:
- Arthritis or joint pain
- Back pain
- Bronchitis or cold
- Depression, anxiety or other mental health issues
- Diabetes
- Ear infection
- Hypertension
- Medication management
- Pneumonia
- Skin problems like rashes and acne
- Urinary tract infection
Read more: Find Solutions for Back Pain
Building a Relationship
Seeing the same PCP for minor illnesses instead of going to an urgent care clinic can help ensure your doctor has the fullest picture of your health. This can be critical when dealing with something like hypertension (high blood pressure), which might be written off as a one-time thing without a regular chart showing a slow progression of worrisome numbers.
The longer you see your PCP, the more he or she will know your health concerns and issues. This will help him or her provide you with informed recommendations about when you should see a specialist for a chronic condition or recurring infection. They’re also a great source of advice on how to improve your health, whatever you might be struggling with.
Read more: Is It Time for Your Annual Checkup?
Even if you aren’t seeing a PCP for one of the most common problems listed above, your provider is a good resource regarding both major and minor illnesses. It’s important to have a regular physician that you trust and can talk to.
Your insurance may also require a primary care provider to refer you to a specialist before approving coverage—yet another reason to make sure you have a PCP.
If you need a checkup, are worried about your back pain or want to make sure your cold isn’t COVID-19, Magnolia Regional Health Center has a primary care provider near you.
