What is a Primary Care Physician (PCP)?

What’s a primary care physician?

A primary care physician, also known as a PCP, is a healthcare professional such as physicians, some nurses, and physician assistants who provides complete care over your lifespan.  Primary care physicians help you manage all aspects of your health. Your PCP should be the first medical professional you talk to when you have a health issue or medical problem that’s not an emergency. Having a primary care physician is recommended, as people with a PCP spend less time in the hospital and less money on medical costs in the long run.

Your primary care physician has a wide range of responsibilities, from regular checkups to diagnosing and treating common medical conditions, injuries, and other health conditions, while also providing you with preventive care. Your PCP will also provide guidance around healthy lifestyle choices, identify and assess potential health problems early, before they become severe, and identify when you need more advanced care, like a hospital procedure or a visit to a specialist.

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