Defining key terms: |
|---|
|
Why is primary care important?
Primary care doctors have an important role in supporting people to be healthy across their lifespan. Providers may focus on certain age groups, like pediatrics (kids) or geriatrics (older adults), and some may even provide health care for an entire family.
Primary care doctors often have long-term care relationships with patients and their caregivers, which makes them familiar with their medical history, and more alert to changes in their health. They can help patients navigate the sometimes-complex health care system by coordinating with other specialists, making referrals, and staying on top of chronic diseases.
Annual wellness visits and other health screenings performed by a primary care doctor can help identify conditions, like diabetes, early. This early detection can give the patient time to consider their treatment options and allows them to work with their primary care doctor to develop a care plan. This reduces the likelihood of needing to go to the emergency room or hospital for more serious treatment.
Primary care doctors can offer immunizations, bloodwork, or the treatment of minor infections. They are trained to monitor and treat a wide range of common health issues, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
How primary care can help patients
The example below illustrates how patients can benefit from primary care.
Staying healthy while aging
Jane is a 65-year-old woman who schedules a visit with her longtime primary care provider. Jane has always been healthy, but as she enters her 60s, she notices a few changes – joint pain, shortness of breath, and weight gain.
During her visit, Jane’s primary care doctor reviews her health history and asks about her concerns. Her doctor completes a full physical exam, including routine blood tests, and makes recommendations for lifestyle changes, like adjusting her diet and exercising more. Her doctor suggests Jane get a bone density test and checks her blood pressure to rule out underlying health conditions that could cause major problems.
Jane appreciates that her doctor does not focus on one thing but looks at the big picture. They discuss Jane’s medications, mental health, and changes related to menopause. Her doctor also refers her to a nutritionist and counselor.
Having regular checkups and a personalized plan for staying healthy gives Jane peace of mind and helps her feel supported in maintaining her independence and overall well-being as she ages.
CMS Innovation Center's Primary Care Models
Primary care is an important cornerstone in the health care system, and the CMS Innovation Center is committed to helping primary care providers continue to grow their role in value-based care.
The Innovation Center has several models that focus on primary care’s role in preventive care and care management, including:
Additional Information
Originally posted on: August 14, 2023