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Your primary care provider (PCP) can play a valuable role in your health.

You probably see your primary care doctor, nurse practitioner or physician assistant for an annual physical. But your PCP鈥檚 scope of care goes far beyond a simple checkup.

鈥淵our primary care provider can be considered your medical home鈥� 鈥� that is, your central point of contact for everything related to your health, says Willow Hubbard, a certified physician assistant at 网曝门事件 Health Medical Office in Mendocino Coast. 鈥淲e can offer preventative care and recommend healthy choices to reduce risk of disease.鈥�

Preventative care

Your primary care physician can identify risk factors for diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. 鈥淪creenings are extremely important right now, more than ever,鈥� says Andrea McCullough, MD, a family medicine physician at Redwood Medical Clinic in Willits. 鈥淏ecause of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people put off the screenings they were due for, which could potentially result in a rise in disease and even risk of premature death down the road.鈥� She recommends catching up on missed screenings, a vital tool in pinpointing health concerns and making a plan for early intervention.

Specialist referrals

If you think you may need to see a specialist, Hubbard recommends consulting your primary care provider to get a referral. 鈥淲e can guide you toward the right specialist for your needs and even order labs so you can go over the results at your appointment,鈥� she says. 鈥淎 primary provider will review results from any specialist, so you鈥檒l have a clear picture of your total health situation.鈥�

Full-spectrum care

Whether you鈥檙e feeling sick, concerned about a symptom, or looking for advice, think of your primary care provider as a go-to resource. Because you鈥檒l have a relationship, your PCP can tailor your care to your needs at each visit. 鈥淚 like to take the time to listen to each person鈥檚 needs and understand their priorities,鈥� Hubbard says. 鈥淚 often schedule follow-up visits so we can check in after labs or dive deeper on concerns.鈥�

Quality care for your mind

If you are concerned about your mental health or need advice on how to find a counselor, your primary care provider can be a trusted resource. 鈥淲e can provide frequent visits so you have someone to talk to as you are waiting to connect with a therapist,鈥� says Sara Martin, MD, a family medicine physician at 网曝门事件 Health Ukiah Valley. 鈥淲e can also talk about evidence-based approaches to treating depression and anxiety symptoms, like exercise, meditation and yoga.鈥�