The role of a primary care physician and patient health
FRONTENAC, Kan. — We break down the importance of a primary care physician in this Medical Focus.
"In one word, as a patient navigator. So, this is the person that you go to, you present your primary problem, and either we will attack that problem head-on during your first visit and accomplish a treatment plan, or it may require employment of a specialist."
Dr. William Sullivan is a primary care physician, and points out that's a unique role which can have a big impact on your health.
"Having a primary care physician is absolutely essential because it does improve efficiency of care, timeliness of care, reduce overall health care costs. I don't think that you can replace a physician-patient relationship that is established over many years," he said.
And the impact of having a primary care physician doesn't stop there.
"When you have an established care physician, it does definitely reduce length of stay and also improves outcomes, and that has definitely been proven in many studies."
But not every patient has a primary care physician, something that can become a problem when your health takes a turn for the worse.
"We have patients calling us from Wichita, Kansas City, Tulsa, Springfield, Joplin," said Dr. Sullivan.
Who may be forced to turn to urgent care or the emergency department to get needed care.
"I think having a primary care physician is absolutely essential because it does improve efficiency of care, timeliness of care, reduce overall health care costs."
