In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy for young adults to dismiss the idea of having a primary care provider. After all, they’re in the prime of their health, brimming with energy and often feeling invincible.
It’s a common misconception that primary care is only for the elderly or those with chronic conditions. However, this belief couldn’t be further from the truth.
Even if you’re in the best health, a primary care provider plays an essential role in safeguarding your well-being in the long run. Primary care providers are your partners in maintaining your health by offering a broad range of services that go beyond treating illnesses.
From regular check-ups and vaccinations to preventive health screenings and education, primary care providers play a crucial role in detecting and addressing potential health concerns before they escalate. Think of them as navigators guiding you through the maze of your health journey.
To shed light on this topic, we spoke with Bijal Naya Desai, MD, one of our primary care providers in our Greenville market.
“Many young adults in our community tend to delay or even skip visiting their primary care provider,” Dr. Desai shares. “They often believe that being young and healthy is sufficient. But it’s important to remember that prevention is the cornerstone of good health. Regular check-ups help us catch issues early, provide important vaccinations and offer guidance on healthy living.”
One of the challenges lies in changing perceptions about seeking medical attention when you’re seemingly in the prime of health.
Dr. Desai shares, “we must change the narrative. Primary care isn’t reactive; it’s proactive. It empowers individuals to take charge of their health, make informed decisions and benefit from this proactive approach.”
Building a professional relationship with a primary care provider helps to establish a sense of trust, especially when sharing health details and seeking medical advice.
Additionally for providers, forming a bond with patients helps them openly address private concerns and ask questions about immediate and future health concerns.
After a relationship is developed with a primary care provider, the following appointments are more effective. Seeing a provider who already knows your health history allows you to focus on and invest more time in discussing the future. This improves the overall quality of your preventive health and ultimately contributes to a longer and healthier life.
Primary care providers are trained as generalists, equipped to diagnose and address a wide array of medical conditions. However, certain health concerns need support beyond what a primary care setting can offer. In these cases, your primary care provider will refer you to a specialist, help to coordinate health care efforts among specialists and help track and update to your medical history and condition.
Your primary care provider also services as educators and as a connection to local community resources you may need.
Overall, establishing care and a professional relationship with a primary care provider empowers patients to optimize their well-being while proactively tackling any health concerns.
Learn more about the primary care services we provide at Bon Secours.
