Importance of a Primary Care Physician (PCP)

 

Choosing a primary care physician (PCP) is critical for the maintenance and coordination of all your healthcare needs.  A PCP is usually one of the following types of medical providers: family practitioner, pediatrician, general internist, or obstetrician/gynecologist. Your PCP will prescribe medications, give you physicals, advise you on treatments, and refer you to medical specialists as needed.  In addition, your PCP is the physician who will coordinate your hospital procedures or will be called if you are admitted to a hospital. Your PCP should know about all vitamins, over-the-counter medications, and alternative therapies you are receiving so that they are coordinated with those prescribed by your PCP or any specialists involved in your treatment. If you do not have a relationship with a PCP, you can often find one who meets your needs through referrals from family members or coworkers.  Our patient advocacy team also can help you identify physicians in your area who are accepting new patients.