Do I Really Need a Primary Care Provider? Yes, and Here's Why

What should you do if your child has a fever and won’t stop crying? Are you taking the right medications to treat your asthma, diabetes, or depression? How do you know if you’ve had the right kinds of checkups, tests, or vaccines to keep you healthy? 

These are just a few things that a primary care provider (PCP) can help with. Let’s talk about what a PCP does and how they can help you to be healthy. 

What is a primary care provider? 

A PCP is a licensed healthcare professional who takes care of the whole person. Over time they get to know all about you and your health. PCPs are trained to keep you well, but they also take care of you when you’re sick. 

Promotional Disclosureinfo_outlined

SPECIAL OFFER

Save over 40% on Qsymia with GoodRx

Discover the once daily Qsymia for weight management. Qsymia is for adults and children 12-17 in combination with a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Save now

Most PCPs are physicians. You may see the letters “MD” or “DO” after their names. The kinds of doctors who practice primary care may train in the following areas:

Nurses with advanced training, like an advanced practice nurse (APN), nurse practitioner (NP), or certified nurse midwife (CNM) also provide primary care. A physician assistant (PA) may also be a PCP. These providers may work independently or with a physician. This often depends on the state they are located in and the kind of practice they work in.

Why is it important to have a primary care provider?

When it comes to your health, it’s important to work with someone you trust. Unlike other specialists who you may only see when you’re unwell or infrequently for checkups, a PCP gets to know you over time. They learn about your health history, habits, medications, and even your family, friends, and other support groups. They’re trained to look at the whole person in front of them — not just a specific health problem. 

PCPs have a variety of jobs and roles:

• They have experience taking care of many long-term conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, arthritis, and depression.

• If you need to see a specialist, your PCP will help to find the right one and talk with them about your care.

• Most PCPs see you in the clinic, but some will also see you in the hospital. They will make sure that you get the right care after a surgery, accident, or serious illness.

• Some PCPs have extra training in areas like women’s health, addiction, nutrition, or skin care.

• They can often see you when you’re sick. This saves a trip to the urgent care or emergency room. If they feel that something more serious is going on, they can give you advice on where to go and the safest way to get there.

• PCPs make sure you get the right health exams, tests, and vaccines. For example, they let you know when it’s time for a flu shot, cancer screening, blood test, or checkup.

• They are your partner in helping you to eat healthy foods, exercise, quit smoking, manage stress, and much more. 

• They work with a team of staff to answer your questions, make appointments, and support your health.

Your insurance may require you to have a PCP. This is because people who have PCPs have better health outcomes. It will also save you time and money!

What sorts of questions should I ask my primary care provider?

Your primary care office is the best place to begin with a question about your health. Here are some examples of things that people talk to their PCP about:

• How to take a medication

• A new symptom or change in health

• Questions about health from the news or from other people

Read more like this

Explore these related articles, suggested for readers like you.

Upcoming Doctor’s Appointment? A Doctor Herself Shares What to Do Before, During, and After

Who Should Wear a Medical Alert Bracelet?

Does Medicare Cover Assisted Living?

View more

You can pretty much ask your PCP any health-related question, and they will help you figure out the answer — either themselves or with the help of another healthcare provider, like a specialist.

How do I find a primary care provider?

If you have health insurance, your health plan will give you names of providers who are in your network. It may be helpful to talk to trusted family members or friends about their experiences with different providers. If you have a long-term condition, a support or advocacy group can help to find a provider who knows about your specific concern. An internet search of local healthcare systems will also give you information about their PCPs.

Here are a few questions that may be helpful to ask yourself when looking for a PCP:

• What ages and kinds of patients do they see? Do you want a provider for yourself, your child, or the whole family? Do you need someone who can also do pregnancy or women’s health care? 

• Do they have any special areas of interest or expertise? This may be important if you have a chronic health condition or are at risk for one.

• What kind of style do you prefer when it comes to a healthcare provider? Is it better for you to work with your PCP as a partner where your input plays a role in your care? Or do you prefer that your PCP be more direct in guiding you?

• Who would take care of you if you need to be in the hospital or see a specialist?

• What kind of support team works with the provider? How can you reach someone if you are sick or have a question about your health?

• Does the location and physical space of the clinic work for you? Does it meet any accessibility needs you might have? What other services are located in the building (like a lab or X-ray machine)?

Options for a primary care provider if you don’t have insurance

If you don’t have health insurance, you still have options! Here are some available options that can help you take the best care of your health:

Telehealth platforms

Sometimes it’s hard to get to your primary care office in person. Many health systems have telehealth options (video visits). These might be used when you’re sick or for some kinds of long-term care visits (like for diabetes or high blood pressure) that won’t need an exam or tests right away. If a physical exam or tests are needed, your healthcare provider will ask to see you in person.

There are also independent companies online that offer telehealth services. These may be helpful in a pinch to treat certain conditions — or if you can’t get in to see a provider. You can think of these services as another tool to help you take care of yourself. But nothing can replace a relationship with a PCP who knows you and is your partner in health!

Federally qualified health centers

A federally qualified health center (FQHC) is a community clinic that sees everyone. They accept Medicare and Medicaid and some kinds of insurance. If you don’t have insurance, payment is on a sliding scale based on your income. There are FQHCs in cities and in rural areas, and each one serves the needs of that community.

Out-of-pocket services

Some primary care practices work by charging a monthly or yearly fee to cover their services. You may hear them called direct primary care (DPC) or a concierge practice. Each practice is a little different, and they can be expensive. But some people choose these services to give them more time and flexibility with their PCP.

Having a primary care provider vs. not having one

People who are young or feel healthy may not always want to see a provider about their health — unless they’re sick. Other people with many health conditions may rely only on specialists for their care. These are often decisions made for good reasons, but having a PCP gives you many advantages. Here are a few: 

• Because a PCP knows you as a person, they can help you make healthcare decisions that are right for you. 

• They also do special screening tests for issues like high blood pressure or high cholesterol, which you may not always feel symptoms from. If these issues are caught early and treated, you can avoid future issues like heart attacks and strokes.

• A PCP is also a great person to open up to about personal issues that you don’t feel comfortable discussing with others. 

Don’t wait until you need a PCP before finding one. It can take time to not only find a PCP who you click with but also to get an appointment with one (so do it now!). If you establish care with one now, even if you don’t currently have any medical issues, you can make sure your health is on the right track. 

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Anne Jacobson, MD, MPH

Anne Jacobson, MD, MPH has been a board-certified family physician since 1999. She worked as a full-scope family physician (inpatient, outpatient, obstetrics, and office procedures) in the Cook County Ambulatory Health Network for 15 years.

Edited by:

Aunna Pourang, MD

Aunna Pourang, MD, graduated from the University of Florida College of Medicine’s Medical Honors Program and is board-certified in family medicine (Mayo Clinic). She is also fellowship-trained in integrative medicine (Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine).

Our editorial standards

Meet our experts