Do you know what the value is of having a primary care physician (PCP)? Is having a go-to PCP really necessary when you can just go to the nearest emergency room (ER) when you get sick? If you don’t fully understand the value of having a PCP, it is about time you learned it!
Let’s explore the reasons why you should see your primary care doctor for most medical needs.
Emergency Room Services
A hospital ER diagnoses and treats life-threatening conditions, such as stroke or heart attack. It is the go-to facility when every second matters and you cannot wait for a scheduled visit with your primary care physician.
However, for continuing medical care and fulfillment of health-related goals, your PCP really is your best friend. They know you and your health needs well, understand your family history and day-to-day lifestyle, and know everything about your prescription medications. When it comes to most of your health needs, a PCP is the perfect provider to help.
When it comes to health management, it’s all about a long-term relationship you have with your provider – something your local hospital emergency room doesn’t offer. While ER physicians and their staff stabilize dangerous conditions and injuries, they have limited knowledge of your medical history, medications, allergies, and treatment preferences. They also don’t have the time or resources to get to know you personally and intimately like your PCP does. Their priority is to treat life-threatening problems and get patients out of the ER to make room for other emergency patients. In most cases, they don’t even have the time to deal with routine illnesses and symptoms.
Primary Care Services
Your PCP understands the physical, emotional, and mental health needs you currently have and what your medical history entails. They may also know your genetic background–in other words, what problems run in your family and how they could impact your health now and in the future.
Your PCP also has the time and resources to get to know you intimately and treat every health issue and symptom – no matter how minor. They have a vast amount of knowledge on illnesses and injuries common among adults and can treat you effectively and in a timely manner.
Examples of their area of expertise and services include:
- Cold and flu treatment
- Infections (such as strep throat, conjunctivitis, and UTI) treatment
- Asthma, diabetes, arthritis, allergies, and thyroid condition management
- Rash, burns, cuts, and scrapes treatment
- Back pain management
- Digestive issues treatment
- Lifestyle guidance (smoking cession, weight management, and nutrition)
- Vitamins and supplements guidance
- Referrals to specialists, as needed
In short, ER physicians are highly valuable, but your PCP truly is your partner in continuing care. If you’re still wondering if you should see a primary care doctor near you, the answer is a resounding yes!
Hudson MD Group in Northern New Jersey
Hudson MD Group has numerous primary care physicians and specialists on staff. We can meet all your health care needs, including coordinating care with our very own experts in areas such as cardiology, podiatry, and more.
We take pride in serving patients of all ages with compassion and attention to detail. Our providers want to know you well and to help you achieve your health-related goals.
So, call us today to set-up a consultation at a Hudson MD Group location near you. We have five facilities in northern New Jersey and are currently accepting new patients.
Call us at (973) 705-4914, or send us a message online, and we will get back to you. We look forward to seeing you soon.
