Life-saving vaccines have had a significant impact on the health and well-being around the world. Within the United States, thanks to advanced medicine, children, adolescents, and adults can receive immunizations to protect against 17 infectious diseases, that were once far more common than they should have been. Immunizations are one of the most successful public health interventions in history, and primary care has been instrumental in its roll-out.
Public health routinely works with primary care providers to ensure adequate access to vaccines, but that’s not where the significant benefits of primary care continue to have on our lives.
When we’re unwell, we feel at our most vulnerable. Even if it’s something as simple as needing a vaccination, or perhaps something more serious, or maybe even a symptom, mark, or mole that you’ve wanted to get looked at for some time.
It can take real courage to reach out and share that vulnerability with someone else.
This is why it’s all the more important that it be from someone professional and approachable – someone you feel comfortable with.
You Deserve to Know You’re In Safe Hands.
There are different healthcare systems available to us, and most people are familiar with primary care. Think of primary care as your first and overall generalized stop for any symptoms and medical concerns.
Your primary care physician is usually the first point of call when you notice a new symptom or are perhaps concerned that you have contracted a cold, the flu, or some other bacterial/viral illness.
Primary care is also a common option when dealing with broken bones, sore or damaged muscles, rashes, or any other acute medical problem.
Primary care is also usually responsible for coordinating your care among other departments, specialists, and other levels of care.
Primary care providers can specialize in various areas of medicine, from internal to geriatrics, family, and pediatrics. OB-GYNs, geriatricians, and pediatricians are all primary care doctors.
Statistics show that primary care providers benefit our healthcare system by offering enhanced access to healthcare services, better health outcomes, which has led to a decrease in hospitalization and the use of emergency department visits for patients.