Why do I Need A PCP?

 

Intro	Check-Ups
Why do I need a PCP?	Confidentiality
How to Find a PCP	Reproductive Health
Health Plans	I Don't Like My PCP
Qualifications of PCPs	When to Visit?
Deciding on a PCP

 

Why do I need a PCP?

You need a PCP so that your health can be checked regularly to catch any problems early on (so that they do not become worse). Your PCP can help you make smart choices to stay healthy. He or she can talk with you about health risks such as smoking, alcohol, sex, seat belts, and nutrition, and give you advice about treatments. If you have a serious or unusual medical problem, your PCP can refer you to a specialist, someone who knows much more about that specific kind of problem.

 

Who are PCPs?

A PCP can be a doctor, nurse-practitioner, or physician's assistant (PA). Nurse-practitioners and PA's are trained to perform many parts of primary care.

 

Nurse-practitioners are required to work with a doctor or physician in some states, but can work alone in others. They perform regular check-ups and help with your problems.

 

PA's are required to work with a doctor, and are often good primary care providers. Almost all are trained by physicians, and they have a special license to practice medicine. One of the advantages to choosing a PA is that there may be more time for counseling and questions.

 

Both nurse-practitioners and physician's assistants have some limits as to what they are allowed to do. Call the provider's office, and ask what the nurse-practitioner or physician's assistant cannot do that a physician or doctor can do. See if the differences are important to you.

 

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Next: How to Find a PCP

 

Written by the CYWH Staff at Children's Hospital Boston

 

Updated 11/20/2008

 

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