A primary care physician is a general doctor a person sees for any health issues that might arise. They can treat a wide range of common illnesses and order lab work, run diagnostic imaging, and many other tests that a patient may need. For those health concerns that are more complex, they have a wide network of specialists to draw from, making it easy to refer patients for more targeted, customized treatment. Below are three reasons to add a primary care physician to your list of regular healthcare providers.

3 Benefits of a Primary Care Doctor

1. Receive Treatment From Someone Who Knows You

A primary care physician is better equipped to treat a patient for a variety of illnesses. They understand a patient’s medical needs at their age and their past and ongoing health issues. They are also aware of how the patient's mental, emotional, and working lives impact their well-being. Because they see their patients on a more regular basis, the primary care doctor has a fuller picture of who the patient is, allowing them to treat issues in relation to the patient's unique needs. They understand the existing medical conditions, family predispositions, allergies, and drug sensitivities.

2. Maintain Your Comfort

Talking about personal health issues can be uncomfortable, especially when you have no prior connection with the doctor charged with your care. With a primary care physician, there is a longstanding relationship between the two of you. A patient will naturally feel more at ease revealing scary or particularly sensitive concerns with a doctor they trust. If the patient knows that they have a safe, nonjudgmental place to receive help, they will be willing to stay on top of symptoms and be more proactive in their own care.

3. Detect Potential Problems Early

Since a patient sees a primary care provider more frequently than a specialist, the provider is able to monitor the patient's health and notice any early signs of potential problems. Early detection is the key to successfully treating many diseases and conditions. For a lot of people, their primary care doctor is the first person they bring their concerns to. Primary care physicians also often notice signs or symptoms that even the patient isn't yet aware of.

If you need a primary care physician, trust the medical professionals at Covenant Hospital Levelland. Since 1971, they have been serving the Levelland, TX, region with compassion and expertise. In addition to primary care, they offer pediatrics, gynecology, cancer treatment, and emergency medicine. Call (806) 894-4963 or visit them online to schedule an appointment.