The importance of the primary care physician

The Southwestern Health Resources (SWHR) clinically integrated network is built around the critical role of the primary care physician (PCP). Strong relationships between PCPs and their patients are demonstrated to deliver better health outcomes and improvements in quality of life.

Recently, SWHR connected with three network physicians to hear firsthand about the importance of this relationship between patient and provider.

 

Son Giep, MD, Texas Health Plano

Dr. Giep says PCPs look at patients from a “big picture” perspective, not just one organ system. PCPs are able to provide continuity of care, which can improve patient outcomes and reduce patient costs.

When patients have specialists involved in their care, Dr. Giep says PCPs coordinate that care and “act as the ‘captain’ who has central/critical knowledge of the patient.”

Illustrating value-based care in action, recently, Dr. Giep saw a patient for back pain. Having built a relationship with the patient over time, he was able to notice subtle cues that prompted him to delve more deeply, using his knowledge and insight to achieve a correct diagnosis and address the patient’s needs, thereby avoiding the use of emergency care. “If the patient had gone to the emergency room (ER), it’s probable only the back pain would have been addressed,” he explains.

Dr. Giep sees the PCP as the “hub” for each patient’s care, with most physicians providing same-day availability for sick patients to help keep them out of the emergency room.

 

Shoaib Khalil, MD, Texas Health Cleburne

For Shoaib Khalil, MD, trust is the most important factor in a patient-PCP relationship. “Patients need someone to take the time and explain their health conditions and what to do,” he says. “When you are sincere and give a true, honest opinion, they comply. They need to see you are interested in taking care of them and saving their health.”

PCPs provide regular, close follow-ups, try to identify health challenges and discuss available options that suit a patient’s lifestyle. “It’s not easy to change one’s habits, but constant encouragement can make a huge difference,” he says.

Dr. Khalil credits SWHR with helping to identify gaps in patients’ healthcare. “SWHR is proactive in recognizing potential patient issues and areas I need to focus on.”

 

Data supports value of yearly PCP visit

Data demonstrates that a long-term relationship with a primary care provider keeps the patient healthier while lowering medical costs.1, 2 In fact, U.S. states with higher ratios of primary care physicians to population have delivered “better health outcomes, including lower rates of all causes of mortality,” even after controlling for sociodemographic measures such as education, income and lifestyle factors (obesity, smoking).3

One recent study demonstrated that a patient was more likely to receive preventative interventions when they visited their primary care physician regularly (≥ 1 primary care visit per year).4 The likelihood of preventative care increased:

  • 127% for vaccinations
  • 122% for colonoscopies
  • 75% for mammographies

If it’s been over a year since you visited your primary care provider, now may be a good time to make an appointment. Don’t have a primary care provider? You can find one here.

 


 

1Shi L. The impact of primary care: a focused review. Scientifica (Cairo). 2012;2012:432892. doi: 10.6064/2012/432892. Epub 2012 Dec 31. PMID: 24278694; PMCID: PMC3820521.

2Starfield B, Shi L, Macinko J. Contribution of primary care to health systems and health. Milbank Q. 2005;83(3):457-502. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-0009.2005.00409.x. PMID: 16202000; PMCID: PMC2690145.

3Shi L. The Relationship between Primary Care and Life Chances. Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved. 1992;3:321–35.

4Hostetter, J., Schwarz, N., Klug, M. et al. Primary care visits increase utilization of evidence-based preventative health measures. BMC Fam Pract 21, 151 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12875-020-01216-8

Related news & stories
Jenny Reed
Feature
Southwestern Health Resources Names New Senior Executive Officer

Farmers Branch, Texas – Southwestern Health Resources (SWHR), the clinically integrated network formed between UT Southwestern…

medications
Feature
SWHR helps patients stay on track with taking medications

Despite the potential for adverse health effects, about 50% of patients don’t take their medications as prescribed, according…

medically tailored meals
Feature
Medically tailored meals provide healthy nutrition for the food insecure

Frank is struggling to pay for his home and the medications he needs for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a…

provider and patient
Feature
Why you want your primary care provider in an accountable care organization

Selecting a primary care provider (PCP) is an important first step in supporting your personal health and longevity. In today’s…