Learn more about the importance of a primary care physician

 

 

 

Your primary care physician (PCP) – or general practitioner – is an essential part of your health care team. A primary care physician is an advocate, partner, and listener. He or she is probably the first person you call when you are not feeling well.

Building a Relationship

Your primary care doctor is there for the long-haul. He or she will care for you and your family for years or even decades. Over the course of a relationship, your doctor learns a lot about you and your family history. It’s reassuring to see a doctor whom you can trust and prescribes a treatment plan based on your medical history.

Find a UPMC primary care physician. Call 1-855-676-UPMCPCP (8762). For more information, visit the UPMC Primary Care website.

First Line of Defense

Primary care physicians can manage the first line of an array of conditions. He or she helps patients stay on top of ever-changing preventive health recommendations, such as:

  • Immunizations
  • Physicals
  • Screenings

Because primary care doctors know each patient’s medical history, they may diagnose or anticipate the onset of a chronic health concern, such as:

  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • Cancer

Primary care doctors can provide a broad spectrum of services, such as wellness visits, physicals, blood draw, and other in-office test. Or, a primary care doctor may refer patients to a specialist, or even another hospital if needed.

Through electronic records, a primary care doctor can stay informed about all aspects of his or her patient’s medical care whenever the patient receives treatment in the office or at another facility. This helps keep your total health in sight as they care for you.

Finding a Primary Care Physician

It’s important to remember that a person’s primary care physician can be affiliated with a renowned medical institution, which insures he or she is always learning about the latest medical services and treatments.