A primary care provider (PCP) is invaluable for maintaining and improving your overall health. One of the most significant benefits is the consistency of care they offer. "A primary care provider offers reliable, comprehensive care over time," explains Dr. Richard Hogan, an Internal Medicine physician for over 30 years at Door County Medical Center. This allows PCPs to build strong relationships with their patients, understand their medical histories, and provide personalized care suited to individual needs. This ongoing relationship is crucial for managing chronic conditions, preventing diseases, and promoting long-term health.
"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."
Preventive care is a cornerstone of primary care services. Regular check-ups and screenings help detect health issues before they become serious problems.
Richard Hogan, MD
"It is interesting that we would never consider not keeping up with our automobile maintenance, but many people ignore the recommendation for regular preventative health visits," says Dr. Hogan. "After a certain age, human beings should have a regular visit with a healthcare provider as part of health maintenance. There is ample evidence that treatment of chronic medical problems can improve overall function and contribute to longevity." Through regular screenings and health assessments, potential health issues can be identified early, significantly improving health outcomes. The most common components of preventative care include:
- Immunizations
- Blood pressure checks
- Cholesterol tests
- Cancer screenings
Patients at Door County Medical Center can also use our Patient Portal or MyDCMC app to stay on top of their health. These tools provide reminders for scheduling annual physicals or screenings, messaging your PCP, requesting appointments, and accessing test results and reports. Users can also access Patient Portal support via chat or phone call. These services, in collaboration with your PCP, help promote optimal health by identifying potential issues early, ultimately leading to better health outcomes and an improved quality of life.
Coordinated and Holistic Care
A primary care provider also plays a vital role in coordinating care, ensuring all aspects of a patient's health are aligned. "We look at the whole person, not just the symptoms they present with," says Dr. Hogan. By understanding patients' lifestyles, stressors, and family dynamics, PCPs can offer more comprehensive and effective care.
PCPs often coordinate with specialists and other healthcare providers. "If a patient needs to see a specialist, we act as a liaison and ensure that all healthcare providers are on the same page," Dr. Hogan explains. This coordination helps avoid duplicative tests and treatments, improving efficiency and reducing healthcare costs. Trust and open communication between patients and their PCPs further enhance this relationship, making patients feel more supported and understood.
Transitioning to a New PCP
If you are new to the area or want to change providers, a smooth transition from your previous PCP to a new one is ideal. Start by requesting your medical records from your previous provider to be shared with your new PCP. This process involves filling out a release of information form, which your new provider can assist with. It's important to communicate any ongoing treatments, medications, and health concerns to your new PCP to maintain continuity of care.
Remember, it's perfectly okay if you try more than one PCP before finding the right fit. Everyone is different, and it's crucial to find a provider with whom you feel comfortable and confident.
"Our goal is to provide high-quality, accessible healthcare to the community," says Dr. Hogan. PCPs advocate for their patients, helping them make informed decisions about their health and connecting them with necessary resources and specialists. "The human body is the only vessel that we are ever going to have on this planet. We have a responsibility to take care of it. Checking in with a primary care provider for an annual visit is very important to take the best care of ourselves. None of us are going to get out of this alive, but we all would like to be the best we can be while we are here."
For more information on finding a primary care provider at Door County Medical Center, visit our website or call us at 920-743-5566. Take the first step towards better health today.