Primary care basically refers to the standard health care service which is given by a healthcare provider. These types of services are conducted on a day-to-day basis and have almost become a necessity in modern times due to growing health problems and diseases. Within the entire health care system, this kind of service provider acts as the fundamental point of contact and the only source who is solely responsible for looking after the continuous care for the patients.
Such service providers are also responsible for coordinating different types of specialized treatments in case the patient requires it. In a usual routine, patients receive primary health care from different kinds of professionals such as a primary health care physician, a physician assistant, or a nurse practitioner. In cases where the patient requires further medical attention, the service provider may refer the patient for secondary care or tertiary care.
Primary care can easily be provided in places like community health centers, clinics, nursing homes, among others. In recent times this primary care has become very important because one can barely assume when one will face an attack of any disease or any other health problems. A regular checkup will keep the patient aware of their medical conditions on a regular basis and can prevent any sudden mishap from happening.
Background of Primary Care
According to the World Health Organisation, the provision of basic primary care is considered to be an integral component of the primary health care strategy. Primary care is not only meant for a particular social class but should cater to a wide range of patients belonging to any age, any social-economic background, and any geographical region.
Such patients should include anyone who wants to maintain optimal health or anyone with acute or chronic physical, mental or social health issues, which might consist of multiple diseases. From this, one can easily assume that any primary care practitioner has to possess a very wide range of knowledge in many areas to treat different types of patients.
The most integral part of primary care is that the patient has to refer to the same doctor every time for regular checkups, emergencies, health education, and preventive care measures. In such circumstances, the doctor is continuously aware of the medical history of each patient and can treat the patient with utmost knowledge and care. There are different associations, such as the Frederick primary care, from Frederick Health, which provides excellent services in the field of primary care. It is very important for every individual to enroll with such organizations to maintain decent health throughout a lifetime.
Who is a Primary Care Physician (PCP)?
A primary care physician colloquially is also referred to as a primary care provider. He/she happens to be a healthcare professional who practices general medicine. For any primary medical care or a regular check-up, a primary care physician is one’s first stop. Mostly these primary care physicians are doctors, but sometimes one might also find nurse practitioners or physician assistants to perform the tasks of a primary care physician. These primary care physicians can treat typical cold and cough, fever, nausea, rashes, or other basic problems.
Why is primary care important?
Primary care is very important in recent times as it gives one better access to healthcare and lowers the expenditure for the same. A regular primary care routine shall definitely improve the health outcomes of a patient, and the patient can rely on trustworthy sources for standard health-related advice and checkups. The basic concept of primary care is an ongoing partnership between the patient and the healthcare provider, which will definitely be beneficial for the patient in the long run.
US strategies to aid the primary health care shortage
According to the Patient Protection Affordable Care Act, a number of provisions have been established to increase primary care capacity in the United States. These reforms are made for the medical school graduates and also include payment suggestions and student loans. This act also provides primary funding to increase the number of mid-level practitioners, including physician assistants and nurse practitioners. The main aim of this entire project is to increase the patient demand for primary care services. There are a number of primary care providing associations in the United States, such as the Frederick primary care association.
Conclusion
The most important thing to do now is to spread awareness among the common mass to become a part of these associations for their own good. Organizations like Frederick primary care Associates are known to specialize in family medicine and can take care of patients from all age groups, including children.