Primary Care Providers Can Be the Key to Better Health

As a child, you went to a primary care provider (PCP) when you were sick. You probably also went at least once a year to receive vaccines, track developmental milestones, or get a physical to play sports.

Regularly visiting a PCP is a healthy habit that’s worth continuing as an adult. PCPs can address your health concerns, encourage lifestyle changes, and, when necessary, coordinate your care with other health care providers.

How Often Should I See a PCP?

Independence Blue Cross (IBX) HMO plans require members to choose a PCP, but PPO and EPO plans do not. Regardless of the IBX plan you are enrolled in, scheduling regular PCP visits can help you build a trusted partnership with a health care provider. But what’s considered “regular?”

The reality is that “regular” isn’t one-size-fits-all. Everyone’s medical conditions, family history, and risk factors are unique. An annual preventive care visit works best for most people, but those who have chronic health conditions will need to see a PCP more frequently.

The best way to know what “regular” means for you is to talk to a PCP.

How Can a PCP Help Me Stay Healthy?

PCPs can support you when you’re sick. They can also support your long-term health by:

Ordering bloodwork to assess your baseline values and repeat testing as needed to monitor changes over time
Measuring height, weight, and blood pressure, with discussion of how to keep those numbers in healthy ranges
Explaining how your health and family history can impact how early or often you need screenings for breast, colorectal, lung, cervical, or prostate cancer
Recommending vaccines that are right for you, based on your age and health history
Reviewing current prescriptions to determine if a change in dose or a different medication might help you better manage your health
Screening for anxiety, depression, or other behavioral health conditions

There are lots of benefits to having a PCP. Preventive care visits have no cost-share, and PCP visits typically cost less than visits to specialty physicians or to an urgent care or emergency department. Studies show that people who regularly visit a PCP tend to receive more preventive health services, spend less on health care, take medications more consistently, and have fewer hospitalizations.

If you require more specialized care, a PCP can recommend a specialist, like a cardiologist. Specialists have extensive training in complex health conditions. They also have access to advanced diagnostic tools and treatments. PCPs can work together with specialists to manage your health.

Make an Appointment

Regardless of your age, regular PCP visits are an important part of self-care.

To find a PCP, use the IBX Find a Doctor tool. You can search on location, ethnicity, gender, language, health system affiliation, and other characteristics.

IBX members can also take advantage of our Case and Condition Management programs, as well as our Registered Nurse Health Coaches, who are available 24/7 to offer support and help you manage your health. You can access these resources by calling the number on the back of your member ID card.