![]() Your primary care provider may be asking if you’ve seen a podiatrist or had an eye exam to track possible side effects to your condition. In fact, adults with a primary care provider are 19% less likely to die of premature death than those who see only specialists.Įxample: An endocrinologist may focus on adjusting your insulin to better manage your blood sugars. Your specialist is really focused on a specific issue, while the primary provider looks at the big picture. That can lead to the cost of insulin or health issues such as loss of vision or heart attack. ![]() Skipping the test due to cost could allow elevated blood sugars to go unchecked and turn into unmanaged type 2 diabetes. It provides more opportunity for the provider to pick up on small changes in your health and create a plan of action before it becomes a large issue with larger financial and health repercussions.Įxample: An additional blood test could pinpoint slightly elevated blood sugars so your provider can get you on a diet and exercise program before type 2 diabetes develops. One recent study estimated that if everyone saw a primary care provider it would save $67 billion every year. ![]() This may include health coaching, wellness programs such as Avera Health Plans’ LiveNow, or help to stop smoking or manage chronic conditions. Tip: Your health insurance company also has services as part of your coverage. Primary care annual checkups are paid forįrom an insurance perspective, your yearly checkup is covered as a preventive service at no cost to you, along with many other things such as age-appropriate immunizations and cancer screenings. This could include managing those symptoms or referring you to a specialist. Their job is to make sure you get the right care in a way that fits your needs and values. This person is your first point of contact and most likely will be the first to see signs of things like depression, chronic disease or other health concerns. Primary care providers are quarterbacks of your care team Preston Renshaw, MD, Chief Medical Officer for Avera Health Plans, outlines why it’s worthwhile to prioritize that yearly visit.
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