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Primary Care Can Mean Better Care

Carpenters know planning is critical to the success of small- and large-scale construction projects. Costs go up and quality declines when materials, machines and a skilled workforce are not effectively coordinated.

The same can be said about medical care. No one schedules a medical appointment expecting poor-quality care, but that's what many patients receive when their care is not well coordinated.

Some don't get the care they should, such as preventive exams, screenings, and immunizations. Some get care they shouldn't—care that's wasteful or potentially harmful, such as unnecessary CAT scans or X-rays.

If you want better outcomes from the medical care you receive, start looking for a good primary care doctor. It might save you some money, too.

A primary care doctor is one specifically trained to be the first point of contact when you need medical care. Primary care doctors are usually general or family practitioners, pediatricians, and internists, but the specialty is not as important as how the doctor functions as a partner in managing your health.

Primary care doctors diagnose and treat illnesses, including chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease.  They provide screenings, vaccinations, and advice on lifestyle changes that can prevent illnesses and conditions before they develop. Of more significant benefit, however, is the advocacy they provide.

A primary care doctor is trained to care for you as a whole person throughout your life. Over time, a primary care doctor develops a deep understanding of your health history, life circumstances, and needs. With a primary care doctor always "in the loop," he or she is in the best possible position to advise you on the best treatment options.

Many people see more than one health professional—for example, a doctor for one problem, a specialist for another, a surgeon for a procedure. Without a coordinated approach, patients can be exposed to a range of issues that can impact the quality and cost of the care. They are more likely to experience confusion about which doctor to ask about a health problem or medication. They are more likely to undergo repetitive screenings. They are more likely to receive conflicting advice. Not surprisingly, they are more likely to experience medical errors.

A primary care doctor functions as sort of project manager for your medical care. If you have surgery, are hospitalized, or receive care from specialists, your primary care doctor has a complete record of all your treatments and medications and is therefore positioned to be your most trusted advisor.

Research shows that people who have an ongoing relationship with a primary care doctor have better overall health outcomes than people without primary care doctors. Research also shows that those with a primary care doctor save money in the long run. One reason for that savings is the primary care doctor's focus on prevention. Another is the doctor's ability to coordinate care and avoid duplicative procedures and tests.

If you don't yet have a primary care doctor, the best time to search for one is when you're feeling good and have the time and energy to figure out the right match for you.  Click here for tips on finding the right primary care doctor for you.