What is Primary Care?
The concept of primary health care has evolved over the years. Still, The World Health Organization defines it as "PHC is a whole-of-society approach to health that aims at ensuring the highest possible level of health and well-being and their equitable distribution by focusing on people's needs and as early as possible along the continuum from health promotion and disease prevention to treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care, and as close as feasible to people's everyday environment."
Primary care is routine health care from an internal or family medicine doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant who serves as your primary health care provider in non-emergency situations like common colds, sprained ankles, allergies, etc. Primary care also includes preventive care to help keep people from getting sick, maintaining chronic illnesses, and counseling on family and lifestyle risk factors.
Why is Primary Care Important?
Primary care is critical to preventing and detecting many illnesses. When people get routine health exams and screenings, they are more likely to avoid health problems – or are likely to catch them early so treatment can happen sooner and decrease their chances of developing chronic illnesses.
Second, establishing a primary care provider allows for a patient-provider relationship to form; when this occurs, it will make the patient feel comfortable discussing lifestyle habits and medical concerns. This relationship is by far the most potent piece –because this allows for improved patient outcomes and continuity of care.
What conditions do Primary Care Providers Treat?
Primary care providers offer several critical healthcare services, including:
Diabetes
Hypothyroidism
Asthma
Allergies
Obesity
Insomnia
Depression
Chronic Kidney Disease, etc.
In addition, primary care providers also play a crucial role in securing appropriate care with other specialists. For example, if you injure your knee, you should see a primary care provider who may then produce a referral to diagnostic imaging or an orthopedic doctor.
How Can Reform ABQ Help Me?
Reform ABQ is a primary care clinic located in the heart of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Our nurse practitioner is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner who can provide health care throughout your lifespan. Our office offers direct primary care memberships and accepts commercial insurance plans as well. If you or a loved one are looking for quality primary care promptly, contact Reform ABQ at 505-420-6979 to establish care.