Start Your Health Journey With Your Primary Care Provider

Want to make the most of your health? You can do it with a good care team, led by you and your primary care provider (PCP).

“It’s impossible to overstate the importance of having a primary care provider you trust,” says Jenna Gossett, MSN, FNP-C, a board-certified family nurse practitioner who sees patients at Lady’s Island Internal Medicine. “This single health professional is your go-to provider who stays with you throughout life’s ups and downs, helping you make wise choices that guide you toward your health goals.”

Read More: Is It an Annual Physical or Wellness Exam?

Benefits of Your Primary Care Provider

Establishing a strong relationship with your primary care provider comes with many benefits. 

• Big picture — By visiting your PCP every year, you get an invaluable partner in your health. Your PCP tracks everything that happens in your health, from minor illnesses to serious, chronic illnesses. This helps your PCP offer personalized care that meets your specific needs.
• Detection and treatment — When you aren’t feeling your best, your PCP uses blood tests, urine tests, a physical exam and more to get to the bottom of your issue. Your PCP also prescribes treatment for a wide range of health issues and helps you monitor blood pressure, diabetes and more.
• Prevention — At annual wellness visits, your PCP reviews your health history and lifestyle to determine your health risks and provide customized tips to prevent disease and injury. Additionally, your PCP vaccinates you against seasonal viruses and other conditions.
• Referral — Visiting a cancer care specialist, interventional cardiologist or other specialist typically requires a referral. Your PCP typically makes these referrals, according to the National Institutes of Health. 

Read More: How to Choose a Primary Care Provider

Need a PCP? You’ve Got Options

You never outgrow the need for a primary care provider. Children, teens, young adults and older adults all benefit from a strong relationship with a PCP. 

Depending on your preference, your PCP may be one of the following:

• Family medicine physician
• Internal medicine physician
• Nurse practitioner
• OBGYN
• Pediatrician
• Physician assistant 

Take Advantage of Your PCP

Whatever type you choose, it’s important to take full advantage of your PCP. Every time you plan a visit with your PCP, use these tips to make the most of your visit.

• Be an open book. “Reaping the benefits of a primary provider depends on your willingness to be honest,” Gossett says. “Tell your PCP the truth about your physical and mental health and lifestyle. Otherwise, your PCP can’t provide clear direction toward improved health.”
• Bring questions. Between PCP visits, take note of any health issues that arise. Ask about these at your visit. Then, ask follow-up questions to make sure you understand what to do next. Take notes so you don’t forget anything.
• Stay in touch. If you get home and need more help, reach out to your PCP’s office. A staff member can contact your PCP on your behalf. You can also contact your Beaufort Memorial PCP through MyBMH Patient Portals.

Find a primary care provider at Beaufort Memorial accepting new patients.