Do you need a primary care provider? Here’s why it matters

Maybe you feel healthy and haven’t had a checkup in a few years. Or you usually go to urgent care when something comes up. Or maybe you’ve found yourself searching symptoms online, wondering whether you need an appointment, a specialist or just a place to start. 

But primary care isn't just a place to go when you're sick. 

A primary care provider, also called a PCP, is often your first stop for everyday health concerns. They can help with preventive care, medications, chronic conditions, referrals and questions about what to do next.

“Many people think they only need a primary care provider when they're sick. But the greatest value comes from building a relationship before a health concern develops,” explains Anna Rich, a family medicine nurse practitioner at Ascension Sacred Heart.

Do you need a primary care provider if you feel healthy?

For most adults, having a primary care provider is an important part of managing their health — even if they feel well.

Your PCP can help with routine care, common illnesses, preventive screenings, medications and ongoing health conditions, says Ms. Rich. Seeing the same provider over time also allows your provider to understand your health history and notice changes that may need attention.

You don’t need to wait until you’re sick to establish care. Having a PCP before a concern comes up can make it easier to know where to go and what steps to take.

What does a primary care provider do?

A PCP supports your overall health rather than focusing on one specific condition or part of the body.

They may help with:

• Annual checkups and wellness visits
• Preventive care and health screenings
• Vaccines
• Common illnesses and minor injuries
• New or ongoing symptoms
• Chronic conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure
• Medication management and refills
• Lab work and test results
• Referrals to specialists
• Follow-up care after an urgent care or hospital visit

Your PCP can also help you understand your medical history, family history and personal health risks.

"Primary care is about understanding you as a whole person and helping you stay as healthy as possible throughout every stage of life," says Ms. Rich.

Why does having a PCP matter?

Having a provider who knows you can make a big difference. Instead of starting over every time you need care, your PCP can look at your symptoms in the context of your health history, medications, test results, family history and what’s typical for you. 

For example, if you mention feeling more tired than usual, a provider who knows your history may connect that symptom with recent lab results, medication changes, heavy periods, sleep concerns, stress or an ongoing condition that needs follow-up. 

Preventive care can help catch concerns earlier 

Primary care includes screenings, vaccines and routine health checks that may help identify concerns early.

Your PCP can recommend preventive care based on your age, health history and risk factors. That may include checking your blood pressure, reviewing cholesterol or blood sugar, discussing family history or helping you know when certain screenings are due. 

Ongoing care can help you manage chronic conditions 

If you have a chronic condition, like high blood pressure, diabetes or asthma, your primary care provider can help you manage it over time. 

Your PCP can monitor symptoms, review test results, adjust your care plan when needed and help make sure medications and follow-up care are working together. That ongoing support can make it easier to understand what’s changing, what’s improving and anything that needs more attention. 

Care coordination can help you avoid feeling bounced around 

If you need specialty care, your PCP can recommend the appropriate type of specialist and help coordinate next steps.

They may also review specialist recommendations, test results and medication changes as part of your overall care. That matters because your health needs may not fit neatly into one visit or one specialty. 

"One of the most important roles of your primary care provider is helping you navigate the healthcare system,” explains Ms. Rich. “We help make sure all the pieces of your care work together." 

A long-term relationship can help your provider notice changes 

Seeing the same provider over time helps build a more complete picture of your health.

They can track changes in your symptoms, medications, blood pressure, lab results and health goals. Knowing what’s typical for you can make it easier to notice when something changes and decide what to do next.

What are the different types of primary care providers?

“Primary care” can be an overarching term that includes different types of providers. The right type of PCP for you or your family may depend on your age, health needs and the type of care you’re looking for, says Ms. Rich. 

Advanced practice providers

Advanced practice providers (sometimes called APPs, advanced practitioners or APs) include nurse practitioners and physician assistants who provide primary care services, including exams, diagnosis, treatment and care management. They often work as part of a broader primary care team.

Family medicine providers 

Family medicine providers (or sometimes shortened to “family” providers) can care for the whole family, from children to adults. They also can provide care for women’s health concerns.

Internal medicine providers 

Internal medicine providers, also called internists, specialize in adult health. They often care for adults with chronic health conditions.

Pediatricians

Pediatricians provide primary care for children from infants through young adults (up to age 18). Some family medicine providers and advanced practice providers may also care for kids, depending on their training, practice and patient age range. 

When should you see a primary care provider?

Consider scheduling a primary care visit if you:

• Need a routine checkup or wellness visit
• Haven’t seen a healthcare provider in a while
• Need preventive screenings or vaccines
• Have a new symptom or health concern
• Need medication refills
• Are managing a chronic condition
• Want to discuss your family health history
• Need follow-up care after an urgent care or hospital visit
• Rely on urgent care for routine health needs

An appointment with your PCP is also a great place to ask general health questions or discuss changes in your physical, mental or emotional well-being.

What about primary care vs. urgent care?

Primary care is best for routine care, preventive care, medication management, chronic conditions and ongoing health concerns. Urgent care can be helpful when you need prompt care for a non-life-threatening issue and your primary care provider isn’t available, says Ms. Rich. 

“Urgent care isn’t meant to replace the ongoing relationship you have with a provider who knows your story,” she says 

How to find the right primary care provider

Advanced practice providers, family providers and internal medicine providers can often provide many of the same primary care services. But depending on your health needs, one type of provider may be a better fit than another. 

Some providers care for adults only, while others see children, teens or whole families. For example, Ms. Rich sees patients ages 5 and up. 

When looking for a primary care provider, she shares a few things to consider:

• Whether they’re taking new patients
• Whether they accept your insurance
• Their location and office hours
• Appointment availability (and if it fits your schedule)
• Whether they offer virtual visits
• Their communication style
• Whether you feel comfortable asking questions

Remember, you don’t have to wait until something feels wrong to find a primary care provider. Establishing care now gives you a regular place to turn for checkups, questions, symptoms and ongoing health needs. 

Next steps and helpful resources

Meet Anna K. Rich, DNP, APRN 

Ready to meet your new primary care provider?

How to select the right primary care provider