Health and Wellness urges signing up for primary care provider

By Dr. Lance Loberg

Medical Director

We are encouraging everyone who comes to the Grand Ronde Health & Wellness Center for ongoing care to become established with one of our five providers as your primary care provider (PCP).

Why should you have a regular PCP? Put simply, having a primary care provider will keep you healthier.

Researchers at the Journal of Health Affairs found that patients with a PCP have better management of chronic diseases, lower overall health care costs and a higher level of satisfaction with their health care.

Primary care providers are trained in treating the entire person -- physically, mentally and emotionally. Unlike providers who specialize in treating one particular organ or disease, PCPs not only diagnose and treat acute and chronic illnesses like the flu and high blood pressure, but they also provide routine health screenings and counseling on lifestyle changes in an effort to prevent diseases from developing in the first place. 

Being established with a PCP will save time in the future because your health history, medications and allergies will be documented in the electronic health record for the health team. When you do become sick, we will have the information to coordinate your care and get you in with your PCP. And, when your PCP is not available, one of the other providers will have a current health record to treat you for your acute care needs. 

PCPs help to coordinate care in one place. When you do need specialty care, your PCP will refer you and keep track of your care with them. Your PCP becomes responsible for follow-up of any lab or X-ray tests and keeping you informed of the results. Getting established with a PCP can prevent future illnesses through regular preventive care including: physical exams, immunizations, cancer screenings, education on lifestyle issues, and depression and infection screenings, depending on risk factors.

I encourage everyone to have a designated PCP. Having a relationship with one of our providers who can collaborate with you to optimize your health is our goal.