Why do I need a primary care provider?

With the healthcare landscape constantly changing, you might wonder if you really need a primary care provider (PCP). Convenient and urgent care centers and walk-in clinics are available in many neighborhoods or within a short drive, so it is easy to feel like you can go there if you need care. However, having a dedicated healthcare provider offers benefits beyond treating occasional illnesses.

Jenna Love, CRNP, is a family medicine provider at Mount Nittany Health. She shares some insight as to why establishing a primary care provider is so beneficial for you and your family.

Understanding your healthcare home base

Primary care providers include physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants—all highly qualified healthcare professionals who can serve as your provider. They all complete extensive education and clinical training to deliver comprehensive healthcare services. Think of primary care as your “home base” for your health needs. Whether you’re feeling under the weather, managing a long-term condition, or have health questions, your primary care provider is your go-to healthcare partner.

Your PCP becomes someone who truly knows you—your health history, your concerns, and your goals. “Primary care providers can often catch potential issues early on with routine visits,” Jenna explained.

Key benefits of having a primary care provider

“Quite often, people believe they only need to see a primary care provider when they are sick,” Jenna said. “However, primary care providers do a lot more than just treat people when they are acutely sick.”

Primary care offers comprehensive health management that goes far beyond treating illnesses. “One of the biggest advantages of having a primary care provider is developing a long-term relationship,” Jenna shared. “Routine visits, such as annual well visits, allow your provider to build a comprehensive understanding of your individual health history.”

These regular visits offer guidance for healthy lifestyle choices and help manage any chronic conditions you may have. When needed, they coordinate with specialists to ensure you receive complete care.

Regular visits with your PCP play an important role in preventing health problems before they become serious. “Regular visits allow consistent monitoring of your health, proactive preventative care, and more,” Jenna explained.

By monitoring changes in your health over time, they can identify concerning trends early. “Your PCP helps with preventative care,” she continued, “thus keeping you healthier in the long run.” They will help coordinate appropriate screenings based on your age and risk factors.

Your PCP is your healthcare coordinator, helping you navigate the healthcare system. “It is important that even young and healthy individuals have a primary care provider and visit them routinely,” Jenna said.

Primary care vs. urgent care

Urgent care facilities offer care for immediate needs. While they serve an important purpose, they can’t replace the comprehensive care of a primary care provider. “A big misconception is people thinking they can utilize urgent care facilities for all their health care needs,” Jenna explained. “Urgent care centers are convenient for quick visits and acute illnesses.”

“The difference between primary care providers and urgent care centers is that primary care providers will also manage chronic conditions, preventative care, and keep track of your health needs over time,” she continued. “In addition, primary care providers get to build relationships with their patients over time by knowing their health history, family history, lifestyle, and personal preferences.”

Finding the right primary care provider

Finding the right primary care provider [Link to finding a primary care provider blog] can feel overwhelming. At Mount Nittany Health, we offer flexible ways to connect with our providers. This includes same-day appointments, telehealth visits, and multiple locations across central Pennsylvania. Our online appointment scheduling through the My Mount Nittany Health patient portal makes it easy to fit healthcare into your busy schedule.

When choosing a primary care provider, consider their location and availability and your specific health needs. Other factors like insurance coverage and accessibility should also be considered. Our team of more than 45 caring, compassionate primary care providers across central Pennsylvania are dedicated to building relationships with you and providing care that fits your life and health needs.

Mount Nittany Health’s providers are accepting new patients if you’re ready to establish care with a primary care provider. We offer convenient locations, flexible scheduling options, and care focused on you. Find a location close to you to schedule an appointment today and take the first step toward better health management.