Wellness Watch - Primary Care
A primary care physician is a medical doctor who provides comprehensive healthcare for common illnesses and basic medical services. They often serve as the first point of contact for patients – managing preventive care, routine check-ups and addressing a wide range of health issues. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Americans made more than one billion visits to physician offices in 2019, and more than half of those visits were made to primary care physicians.
At Phoebe, we have an excellent team of around 20 physicians, 15 advanced practice providers and more than 20 physician residents who provide primary care at 10 clinic locations around southwest Georgia. For more information about those providers and locations, or to schedule a primary care appointment, go to www.choosephoebe.com.
The Phoebe Family Medicine Residency Program trains physicians as general practitioners, and many of the graduates go on to long careers as primary care providers. Class of 2024 Co-Chief Resident Dr. Michelle Wilson explains more about what primary care providers do and why it’s so important for you to have a primary care physician whom you visit regularly.
Studies show a long-term relationship with a primary care physician keeps you healthier and lowers your overall healthcare costs. Adults who regularly see a primary care provider are significantly more likely to fill needed prescriptions, get preventive care and receive high-value care such as cancer screenings – all of which lead to better health outcomes and longer lives.
Your primary care provider will help manage chronic conditions, monitor your medications, notice subtle changes in your health before they turn into more serious issues, ensure you get needed vaccines and screenings, provide referrals for specialized care and much more.
The American Academy of Family Physicians has much more information about the benefits of primary care, as well as helpful educational resources on numerous from healthy eating to sports safety to mental health. Visit their website at www.familydoctor.org.