From diagnosing and treating new health concerns, to conducting routine screenings, your primary care provider is an important part of building a healthy lifestyle.

“Having a primary care provider means having someone who’s got your back,” said Julia von Allmen, a certified physician assistant with UCHealth Primary Care in Steamboat Springs. “You’ll have someone you can go to when you’re feeling sick or notice a new health concern, and for preventing health issues. We can guide you through health questions while walking through it with you.”

Who should have a primary care provider?

In a word, everyone. “Having a primary care provider results in better health,” von Allmen said. “If you’re feeling sick, we can often get you back to your health and function quickly. We can help prevent illnesses before they start, or catch them early when treatment can cure or keep them under control.”

When should you see your provider?

At least once a year for your wellness visit, plus visits for new health concerns and for chronic health problems. Note that babies and young children have wellness visits more frequently.

Your primary care provider can be your first resource for a variety of health concerns, from fevers and pain, to anxiety and GI issues. They can also help manage chronic health issues, such as hypertension and diabetes.

Your provider can also help with routine screenings and tests, vaccinations, birth control and sexual health, follow-up on treatment plans, medication changes and refills, and referrals to a specialist.

What happens during primary care visits?

After a nurse takes your vital signs and asks questions about your current medications and reason for the visit, your provider will collect more information on how you’re feeling and will complete a physical exam.

“You and your provider will make a plan of care together,” von Allmen said. “That may include further testing, suggestions for things you can do at home to treat the issue, a prescription for medicine, a referral for a type of therapy or a referral to a specialist.”

Should I see my primary care provider first?

It’s often a good idea to start with your primary care provider, who can review your symptoms in the context of your whole body and your overall health.

“If you need to see a specialist, that visit will likely be much more productive as often you’ll have already completed an exam, testing and treatment options in the interim,” von Allmen said.

Your primary care provider can be a resource as treatment progresses, helping make sure you receive more urgent attention when needed.

“Part of the primary care provider role is to advocate for each and every one of our patients, so that their needs are met and their health is optimized,” von Allmen said.

How can I prepare for a visit?

Some patients find it helpful to write down questions beforehand, take notes during a visit, or even bring a family member or friend to the visit.

“Our job is to be here for you,” von Allmen said. “Come as yourself, and we will meet you there.”

Are there any misconceptions about primary care?

Some patients hope that one visit will be enough to address any issue, but that’s not always the case.

“I would rather make sure we are doing things thoroughly and completely for your health, rather than try to address too many things at once,” von Allmen said.

That may mean reviewing preventive screenings, lab results and lifestyle choices at a wellness exam, then having another follow-up appointment to review chronic conditions.

Von Allmen also reminds patients not to worry if a health concern doesn’t turn out to be an issue, or if they could have gone to a higher level of care first.

“Sometimes I have patients apologize for having wasted my time, but there’s no such thing. If you would feel best by being seen, that is what we are here for,” von Allmen said. “Conversely, patients may apologize for coming in for something that requires a higher level of care, such as an ER visit. Health concerns can be scary and confusing. We are here to navigate that with you.

“We are here for you on your best day, your worst day and all those in between when you need us. It is a privilege to partner with you in your health.”

Susan Cunningham writes for UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center. She can be reached at cunninghamsbc@gmail.com.