Why Having a Primary Care Provider is Crucial for Health and the Bottom Line  

Choosing a primary care provider is essential in one’s healthcare journey. A PCP manages overall health, provides preventive care, and helps guide patients through the complex healthcare system.  

According to The National Library of Medicine, primary care is “associated with enhanced access to healthcare services, better health outcomes, and a decrease in hospitalization.” 

So why do so many people go without a Primary Care Provider? 

Finding a provider often involves hours of research and phone calls, which can be frustrating, stressful, and time-consuming. Common challenges in finding a primary care provider include:  

• Identifying providers that are in-network   

• Ensuring the quality of care they provide   

• Understanding patient experience 

• Limited availability of PCPs, especially in rural areas 

The High Cost of Not Having a PCP 

According to the National Library of Medicine, states with a higher ratio of primary care physicians to population experience better health outcomes, including lower mortality rates.  

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The financial impact of not having a primary care provider is also significant. The Purchaser Business Group on Health (PBGH) reports that U.S. adults who regularly see a primary care physician have 33% lower healthcare costs and are 19% less likely to die prematurely than those who rely solely on specialists. 

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Without regular access to a PCP, employees may seek care in higher-cost settings such as emergency rooms or urgent care facilities for issues that could have been managed more effectively and affordably by a primary care provider. This not only drives up healthcare costs for both the individual and their employer but also contributes to a fragmented care experience, where continuity and coordination of care are lacking. 

Empowering Employees to Prioritize Finding a PCP 

Encouraging employees to establish and maintain a relationship with a primary care provider promotes better health outcomes, reduces unnecessary healthcare expenses, and fosters a healthier, more productive workforce.  

Employers can effectively educate their workforce through targeted communications with helpful tips as shown below: 

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Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing a Primary Care Provider: 

• Health Requirements: Understanding your health conditions and special needs is the first step in choosing a PCP. Whether you have a chronic condition or want to keep up with preventive care, identifying your needs will help narrow your search. 

• Insurance & Cost: Ensure the PCP is in-network and consider associated costs. 

• Communication Style: Some people prefer a direct and concise doctor, while others prefer a more conversational approach.   

• Office Location: Consider the convenience of the office location, especially if you anticipate needing frequent visits.  

• Availability and Accessibility: Finding a PCP that accepts new patients can sometimes be challenging. Expand your search radius to include nearby areas and consider a PCP who offers telemedicine options for flexibility and convenience, once you’re established.   

• Compatibility: Finding a provider whose style and approach align with your needs is essential. Use the initial appointment to gauge compatibility and ask about their approach to care and patient concerns.

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Conclusion  

Empowering employees to prioritize finding a PCP is a step toward better health and a strategic move to reduce unnecessary healthcare expenses. By providing resources, education, and tools, employers can help their workforce navigate the challenges of selecting a PCP, ultimately leading to a healthier, more productive workplace. 

To learn more about how Faros can help your employees simplify the search for a primary care provider, schedule time to connect here.

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