Some people believe that primary care can be a bit ambiguous. Your primary care doctor is actually full of healthcare knowledge, focused on holistic health care and trained in a variety of specialties. Primary care allows you to make one appointment where you can discuss a variety of health issues, whether physical, emotional or mental.

Establishing a trusting relationship with your primary care physician is key when looking for consistent and efficient care. Here are eight reasons why having a regular primary care doctor is important:

1. It’s nice to know your doctor. Most people aren’t interested in talking to a complete stranger about their health concerns or needs. The more you visit a doctor you trust, the better your relationship with him or her and the better they are able to understand how your body works.
2. Communication is easier. Discussing your health wants, needs and concerns with your primary care doctor is crucial to ensure your health is being properly addressed. Your doctor should feel comfortable holding honest conversations with you regarding their concerns and thoughts about your health.
3. They help you form a routine. Routine screenings are extremely important when it comes to your health. Undergoing testing with your primary care doctor on a regular basis can help catch symptoms before they get worse and before a specialist is needed.Your primary care doctor also knows you well enough to ask the right questions and detect other health issues in their early stages.
4. They can improve your daily life. A primary care provider is responsible for screening all major health-related conditions. If you already have a chronic condition, your primary care provider helps manage it and improve your quality of life.
5. …and manage chronic health issues properly. Chronic health conditions like asthma or arthritis can be challenging to monitor by yourself.Your primary care doctor can help you stay organized and aware of how your chronic disease is affecting your body through regular visits and routine testing.
6. They will refer you to the right specialist. After getting to know your primary care doctor, they will be helpful in recommending specialists that not only provide the best care, but fit with your personality since they are familiar with how you prefer health care communication.
7. Regular primary care visits can lower overall health costs. Attending regular appointments with your primary doctor might seem like a waste of money, but research from the Journal of Health Affairs suggests that routine appointments with a primary care doctor cut overall health costs for patients. Regular screenings, open communication between you and your doctor, and a record of your health history all contribute to an overall lower cost of health care.

Routine visits to your primary care physician are recommended to keep you healthy and up-to-date on necessary screenings. If you don’t have a primary care doctor, now is the time!