Everyone needs a Primary Care Provider (PCP). This person will get to know you and will keep close tabs on your health. Your PCP practices preventive as well as acute care medicine. He or she will educate you about wellness and help you prevent serious medical problems from occurring. If you do need specialty care, your PCP is your best point of entry into the healthcare system.
By creating a trusting relationship and partnership with you, your PCP can effectively serve as your “medical home,” coordinating all of your needed care. PCPs include family physicians, internists, and pediatricians.
Since your PCP sees you, and possibly your entire family, over an extended period of time, he or she will become familiar with the physical, psychological and lifestyle factors that are affecting your health.