They serve on the front lines of healthcare, and are usually the first point of contact for a patient seeking medical attention. Primary care physicians, or PCPs, practice family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, and women’s health. They are often the first ones to notice depression or detect early signs of serious disease. They are the ones who make sure patients get the right care, in the right setting, by the appropriate provider or specialist.
Essentially, they are the “gatekeepers” in healthcare. This is why it’s important for you and your family to have a primary care physician --- someone that you visit regularly, someone with whom you can develop a personal relationship.
Benefits
One of the biggest benefits of primary care is peace of mind. An annual check-up with a primary care physician can lead to prevention or early intervention of certain conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease. Early diagnosis and treatment provides patients with an opportunity to make important lifestyle changes that improve their health before serious problems develop.
Primary care also keeps costs down. Access to primary care cuts down on emergency room visits where healthcare costs are about four times more than outpatient care.
Baton Rouge General has many outstanding primary care physicians who can help you and your family stay strong, healthy and fit. If you need one, visit BRGPhysicians.com or call (225) 763-4500.