The Importance of a Primary Care Provider
Walk-in and urgent care centers provide convenient medical care when you need it. But there are many benefits that come with having a primary care provider – a physician or provider you see for wellness visits, checkups and when you’re sick.
“A primary care physician treats numerous illnesses and injuries and patients of all ages,” explains Dr. Steven Spencer at Washington Regional Fayetteville Family Clinic. “These can run the gamut from young children to older adults, preventive care, as well as diagnosing and treating chronic medical problems. There's a whole host of things that your primary care doctor can perform for you.”
Common conditions that a primary care provider can treat and help patients manage include high blood pressure, diabetes and thyroid conditions. “We also see a variety of other less common chronic illnesses, and if needed, we can refer you to a specialist for further care,” Spencer says.
Going to see your primary care provider for illnesses can be beneficial to your overall health in several ways. “Your primary care provider knows the medications that you're taking. They know the illnesses that you've had in the past. They may even know your family history and have some insight into what kind of problem you're really having,” Spencer explains. “Having insight to patients’ issues can help providers with a diagnosis and can inform providers to look at other things they may be concerned about.”
You can find more information about Washington Regional primary care providers, or call Fayetteville Family Clinic at 479.404.1200 to request an appointment.