3 Reasons Healthy Young Adults Should Choose a PCP and Primary Care Center
Do healthy, young adults who rarely get sick need a primary care physician (or PCP)? You don't have a chronic condition and haven't missed a day of school or work in years. Even though you don't think that you need a doctor's appointment right now, take a look at why you should choose a PCP and how a primary care center can help you to stay healthy.
You Aren't A Doctor
Overall, you're a healthy adult. But sometimes you question what the periodic fatigue, minor aches and pains, or other physical issues you experience once in a while mean. Without the years of school, training, and experience of an M.D. (medical doctor), you can't diagnose what may seem like minor issues or illnesses.
A PCP can provide everything from exams to preventative screenings. These services can help to detect some diseases or chronic conditions in the early stages. This can lead to better outcomes and help you to improve your physical or mental health and well-being. The doctors at a primary health care center are more than physicians you will see once or twice.
A PCP is someone who you will build a healthcare relationship with. This doctor will know your detailed medical history, health goals, health expectations, lifestyle habits, risk factors, personal medical or healthcare preferences (such as supplements instead of prescription drugs), and more. This deep level of knowledge can help the PCP to notice problems that you or even other physicians might miss.
The Internet Isn't A Doctor
You don't have the educational background or training to spot a potential health-related problem, order tests, recommend preventative screenings, or prescribe medication—and neither does the Internet. While medical provider websites can help you to understand common healthcare issues and connect you with specialists or general providers, the Internet is not a doctor.
You Aren't As Likely To See A Doctor
While you might not feel sick right now, you could have a sore throat, cough, GI issues, headache, or other symptoms in the near-future. Without a PCP, you might skip a doctor's visit. Along with skipping sick care, you might not get the right types of preventative exams/screenings that you need to maintain or improve your current level of health.
According to a 2019 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine, adults who have a PCP are more likely to have routine preventative healthcare visits, have preventative screenings for diseases such as cancer, and often have better access to healthcare services.This study illustrates the benefits of the patient-PCP relationship and the importance of a PCP in the patient's health-related choices.