PCPs

I once asked my primary care physician why she had opted out of a specialty. She answered "...because I want to focus on the well being of an individual not just one part of them. " PCPs have the opportunity to treat minor illness's and detect/prevent future complications. Strong communication between PCPs and patients is important because it allows the patient to receive more information on their health and the benefits of prevention. The prupose of having a regular check up is to monitor and control an individuals health. If any abnormality is detected that is when a referral is made. Primary care should be made mandatory for everyone. Sadly this is not the case and every day more people are going to the emergency room with complications that could have been prevented.

A relationship between PCPs and patients is essential, and in the end allows for the patient to have control over their own health. Once this line of communication is open, it is easier to inform patients on healthier living, preventive measures to implement in their houshold. Fostering this idea that a PCP is not just someone you go to when you catch a cold. Teach patients the importance of physicals and yearly checkups. Implement more programs where the patient feels more in control of their health. Making their health and well being a collaborative effort between the PCP and the patient.

At times PCPs can seem as an obstacle for many patients that do need to see a specialist. It especially is harder when referrals seem to take forever. I dont feel that PCPs should be blamed for this, its just the system that seems to lack efficiency. I do believe that more work is needed in this area. PCPs should not be an obstacle, and not necessarily a gate keeper but more of a guide that facilitates.