Communication, respect, and trust are key elements of any healthy relationship. The same can be said for the relationship created between you and the person you choose to help navigate your health choices. Benjamin Meyerink, MD with Avera Family Medicine discussed some of the key benefits of having an established doctor-patient relationship for when you need medical care.
What are the benefits of having an established primary care doctor?
- Your doctor is the quarterback of your health and can help call the best plays for your situation and condition.
- Having that relationship over time also builds trust and you can be more comfortable to open up or ask awkward questions about symptoms or changes in your health.
Can a primary care doctor help you navigate subtle symptoms?
- Absolutely, having that relationship and trust lends itself a lot to when you have a strange symptom or pain that you want answers for. Having an established history gives a good foundation to make recommendations on care.
- Instead of relying on the internet, doctors also give realistic science backed facts and direction, which can be reassuring and calming.
How do you decide on who becomes your primary care doctor?
- Like any relationship, you have to talk about it but it doesn’t have to be as formal.
- Doctors will let you know if they have capacity to take you on as a patient and then it can be marked in your chart for easy portability.
- As you age you may start seeing more specialists, which is where the quarterbacking comes back into play and helps you navigate.
