As you get older and your health needs evolve, your care will likely have more moving parts—from appointments and medications to screenings and specialists. That’s when one doctor-patient relationship becomes even more important—the one you have with your primary care physician (PCP).
“Many people think their PCP is someone that they go to only when they’re ill, but primary care providers offer so much more,” says Michelle Graham, MD, Chief Medical Officer for UnitedHealthcare. “A PCP is like the quarterback of a healthcare team, guiding decisions and helping to connect the dots across the healthcare system…and coordinate care.”
Research shows that having continuity of care with a PCP can help add years to your life and lead to fewer hospital visits. That becomes even more important when managing a chronic health condition. Consider this: 53 percent of Medicare participants between the ages of 65 and 74 have three or more chronic conditions.
Perhaps you already have a PCP you know and trust, which is great news. If not, finding a provider is more straightforward than ever, thanks to online tools that let you search for providers by insurance, patient reviews, and office accessibility. Beyond logistics, it’s important to choose someone who truly fits your needs, your health goals, and how you approach your care. Here are the keys to a successful partnership with your PCP so you can focus on your whole health as you age.
They Make You Feel Comfortable And Heard
“It’s very important to find a PCP who you feel comfortable with and who understands your background and experiences,” Dr. Graham says. “You should be able to trust your PCP to guide your care and to have those honest conversations that provide the information you need.”
That sense of comfort should start before you even step into the exam room. Call the provider’s office and pay attention to how your questions are handled. How quickly can they schedule an appointment? Are there flexible options like telehealth or evening hours? You can also ask how the office communicates about test results, prescriptions, and follow-ups, and whether they offer options like email reminders or a patient portal.
To make the most of your first visit, write down topics or questions ahead of time. If you’re managing a chronic condition, bring it up and ask how your care will be coordinated amongst other members of your healthcare team. “A good physician or advanced practitioner will listen to the patient, understand any chronic condition, and help coordinate care—empowering patients to understand their options and make informed decisions,” Dr. Graham says.
Just as important is how they communicate. If a doctor is rushing through your appointment, dismissing your concerns, or relying on medical jargon you don’t understand—even after you ask for clarification—that may be a sign the relationship isn’t the right fit. “If something feels off during that appointment, trust your instincts and look for a new provider,” Dr. Graham says.
In addition to discussing your concerns, your PCP will establish a medical history and review your medications. “From your very first visit, you’ll want to discuss your health needs from your perspective and get a sense of what the PCP’s approach to care is like,” Dr. Graham says.
After your first visit, take a moment to reflect on these questions:
- Do you feel at ease with this provider?
- Did they show an interest in getting to know you?
- Did they answer your questions?
- Did they explain things in a way you understand?
You should also feel comfortable bringing up concerns. “In any healthy relationship, you should feel empowered to be candid and honest about your concerns, even if your perspectives differ,” Dr. Graham says.
You Trust Them To Guide and Coordinate Your Care
Your PCP plays a central role in managing your overall care—not just treating illness, but coordinating with all of the multidisciplinary teams that support your health. This is where your PCP is key: reviewing medications, coordinating specialists, and helping you understand your labs. Dr. Graham says: “Our healthcare system is complex and so a PCP can help with that navigation and hopefully help us all feel our best.”
Ask how the office handles care coordination day to day. This includes whether you’ll communicate directly with the physician or through a nurse practitioner or physician assistant, how follow-ups are managed, and how test results are shared. Clear systems for communication and coordination can help prevent gaps in care and make the entire process easier to navigate.
“A good PCP will be a problem solver and an important central advocate for your health,” Dr. Graham says. “A provider’s ability to coordinate care is probably one of the most important things to think about when someone’s trying to find a PCP.”
If you’re researching Medicare options or looking for a primary care physician (PCP), UnitedHealthcare offers tools to help you find in-network providers and explore plan options in your area. Learn more at UHCMedicareHealthPlans.com.
Read the full article here