Let’s be honest. When was the last time you went to see a primary care doctor for a routine health checkup? If you can’t remember, we may have the problem.

While there are some people who regularly get routine checkups, there’s even more who don’t. If you’re in the second group, you might procrastinate in making appointments and wait until something is REALLY wrong before seeing a doctor.

We get it. We do. Nobody wants to hear bad news from their doctor. However, you may find that there are even bigger consequences when you skip the doctor all together. 

What Does a Primary Care Doctor Do?

Primary care is one of those medical phrases that might seem very vague, so let’s break it down. A primary care doctor (or primary care physician, PCP) is somebody who helps you manage your health. They provide preventative care, like routine physicals, screenings and immunizations. 

They also diagnose and manage many common chronic conditions, such as Type 2 Diabetes and hypertension. A primary care doctor is also your go-to resource for everyday injuries, illnesses, or other changes in your overall health. 

Primary care doctors, as well as physician assistants and nurse practitioners, are unique in the fact that they’re trained in a broad range of health conditions. Primary care doctors are your first line of defense with regard to overall health, and if you end up needing a specialist, they can help you find one.