The importance of a primary care provider

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A quick Google search of “personalized health care” or “personalized medicine” will yield countless results on artificial intelligence, new scientific breakthroughs and health care technology. It can be overwhelming. But there's one tried and true way for your employees to experience personalized health care: choosing and using a primary care provider (PCP), also referred to as primary care physician or a personal doctor — and that’s without changing or adding anything to your existing health plan.

Different types of primary care providers

For your employees, a primary care provider is the difference between health care and tailored health care that fits their needs. A PCP can include:

• Internal medicine practitioners delivering preventive care, diagnoses and treatment to adult patients.
• General practitioners, also known as family practitioners, who care for patients of all ages.
• Physician assistants/physician associates and nurse practitioners who treat patients of all ages but must do so under the supervision of a physician.
• Pediatricians who deliver care for children.

Benefits of primary care

Selecting and using an in-network PCP can lower your employees’ health care costs. Under most health plans preventive care with an in-network primary care provider is covered at 100 percent. By visiting their primary care provider for annual preventive exams, your employees may be able to prevent or better treat any chronic conditions that can negatively impact their health.

Primary care promotes better health

Encouraging your employees to select and see a PCP will help them reap the benefits of their insurance coverage. Studies have shown that patients who have a good relationship with their doctor have better health outcomes, and these better outcomes mean greater satisfaction in their overall health care and, potentially, their health plan.

A strong, trusted relationship leads to better care

Building a relationship with a health care provider can be one of the most beneficial things your employees do to improve their health. Not only does a strong, trusted relationship open the lines of communication between patient and doctor, but it can also reduce mortality rates.

Access to coordinated care

Having access to care when and where your employees need it is critical. A primary care provider can help coordinate care with specialists and direct your employees to other health care providers they know and trust.

Fewer ER or hospital visits

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 139.8 million emergency department visits in America in 2021 and a 14 percent readmission rate in Iowa and South Dakota. That rate could have been lower with the help of primary care. A study conducted at UCLA Health found that patients who had a primary care visit within 14 days of being discharged from an ER visit had a lower readmission rate than those who did not follow up with their PCP.

When your employees select and see their primary care provider on a regular basis, not only are they being more conscious health care consumers, which helps your bottom line, but they are also on their way to better health. You can visit Employer Connection for an easy way to educate your employees on the benefits of selecting a primary care provider.

Early detection means care is better managed

Set your employees up for better health in the future by encouraging them to use their preventive exam benefit. Seeing a PCP for an annual wellness exam helps employees detect health issues earlier and ensure ongoing health issues are properly managed. Make sure your employees are educated on their plan and benefits so they can avoid surprises during preventive care visits.

Seeing a designated PCP is more convenient

Often, designating a PCP grants access to additional preventive care and screening options. Your employees’ PCP likely practices locally, which makes seeing a provider in person easy and convenient. However, if they don’t have the time for a trip to the office, many providers offer virtual appointments through services like Doctor on Demand^®.

We're here to help

No matter their health care needs, your employees can expect better health outcomes when they work with their primary care provider. If your plans require choosing a PCP, share this flyer with your employees to help them with the process. Questions? Contact your authorized Wellmark account representative, or email us at blueatwork@wellmark.com.