Primary Care Providers Can Save Your Health — And Money

Studies show that U.S. adults who regularly see their established primary care provider have 33% lower overall healthcare costs and 19% lower odds of premature death. Establishing primary care is a proactive choice for long-term optimal health.

In recent years, delayed medical care has been on the rise for a variety of reasons. Cost, busy schedules, access to care, and prior negative experiences are some reasons attributed to this. Thankfully, Iredell Health has primary care providers who genuinely care for their patients and are ready to help individuals overcome their hesitations.

“Like most of us who chose to specialize in primary care, I wanted the opportunity to treat the whole person,” said Christian Sorensen, MD, of Iredell Family Medicine in Mooresville. “As a Family Medicine specialist, this involves treating the entire family for most of their medical conditions and wellness issues.”

When patients delay medical care, it oftentimes results in the progression of more serious medical issues causing stress, confusion and panic. Establishing primary care can help.

“We are the physician at the hub of the patient’s care. We coordinate with specialists that become needed and can often translate a rushed explanation given when the patient is most stressed into words that can be more easily digested by a concerned patient. Once we’ve done this, we can tailor a treatment that takes into account the desires and needs of each individual patient,” Sorensen said. “Because of this alliance with the patient, we can safely and professionally manage the vast majority of medical complaints presented to us.”

Primary care providers serve as their patients’ trusted ally when dealing with health concerns and preventive care.

“A PCP can manage much of a patient’s health and wellness and have the ability to become familiar with the individual needs of each patient. Over time, this creates a situation where, even when a patient needs to seek specialty care or is hospitalized, they can count on us to smooth the process to a healthcare outcome that is satisfactory to each individual under our care. Oftentimes, after the input of a specialist has been provided, we become the primary manager of these more complex issues,” Sorensen said.

Patients should choose a PCP based on their individual needs.

“It’s important to choose a PCP based on their willingness to listen to your concerns and to guide you through the healthcare maze. This should result in your travels through the system being efficient and understandable,” said Sorensen. “In the end, your PCP will likely know you better than any other part of the medical team and will have your best interests at heart.”

It’s important to know what to expect during your first visit with a primary care provider. Sorensen explains.

“Like any other new relationship, this visit is about getting to know you so we can better understand your needs and how you are most comfortable being cared for. A detailed review of your medical history will take place. It’s important to bring all the medications that you take (including over-the-counter meds) and try to have a record of immunizations and other preventive care such as the various colon, breast, and cervical cancer screens. Often, a records request from your previous providers will precede the visit or be requested after the visit so we can know you as well as possible.”

Maintenance through primary care is a personalized, preventive measure that can save your health — and your wallet. Iredell Health has multiple primary care providers who are accepting new patients, including Dr. Sorensen. His office, Iredell Family Medicine, is located at 544 Brawley School Road in Mooresville. To schedule an appointment, call 704-360-5190 or schedule online at iredellfamilymedicine.com.