Managing your personal health needs isn’t always a simple, straightforward process, and as you get older, that process becomes even more complicated. Fortunately, having a primary care provider in your corner can help you navigate your health needs at every stage of life.
Harbor Community Health Centers is a leading provider of primary health services for patients in and around San Pedro, California. Our team offers an overview of primary care and a few critical benefits regular visits provide.
In today's busy world, most focus on getting things done as quickly as possible to move on to the next task. As a result, it can be tempting to seek medical treatment only when we have specific symptoms and then to seek care only with a specialist or urgent care center. While specialists and urgent care providers play vital roles in healthcare, your PCP has a role to play, too — a critically important role.
Primary care providers serve as the initial point of contact for most people with specific health needs and preventive and proactive care. In fact, Americans see their primary care providers about half a billion times every year to help them manage their personal and evolving health needs.
While specialists and urgent care providers focus on specific needs and symptoms, your PCP takes a whole-patient approach to care. In addition to providing care for immediate or acute needs, they can help you locate specialists as needed and help manage your long-term health needs.
Primary care offers plenty of benefits for patients of all ages, including some benefits you may not have considered.
Primary care doctors are skilled at treating illnesses such as colds, flu, sore throats, urinary tract infections, ear infections, and more. Our team tailors your treatment to relieve symptoms, eliminate underlying diseases, and help prevent complications for a speedy recovery.
Millions of Americans suffer from chronic diseases, and many have two or more. Chronic illnesses are long-lasting — some lasting a lifetime — and require ongoing management to prevent further problems. Your PCP can design a management plan based on your medical history, health risks, and other factors to help you avoid complications and enjoy better overall wellness.
Sick visits are great when you’re sick, but preventive care is essential, too. In fact, regular annual exams can help you stay healthy by ensuring you receive medical care and recommendations appropriate for your changing health needs.
While specialists and urgent care providers focus on specific symptoms or conditions, your PCP looks at your whole health to track changes and provide necessary interventions to keep you healthy and improve your quality of life. This whole-patient approach ensures the care and guidance we provide will be deeply customized for your needs and significantly impact your overall wellness, especially as you age.
Seeing your PCP regularly helps establish a record of your health so your provider can spot subtle changes that could mean a developing medical problem. Regular visits also help you develop a rapport with your provider so you feel more confident sharing health information.
Finally, having a PCP in your corner helps you enjoy better health by providing a more personalized level of care. Data show that people with primary care providers tend to enjoy better long-term outcomes than those who don’t have a PCP.
Primary care can play an important role in keeping you healthy at every age and stage of life. Call 310-547-0202 to schedule an appointment with the Harbor Community Health Centers team at one of our two locations in San Pedro, California, today.
