Primary care is healthcare’s first point of contact for many people with chronic illnesses. It allows for timely detection and intervention for the effective management of symptoms. Read on to explore the role of Hackensack primary care for chronic disease management.
What is the goal of primary care?
Primary care is a health system model emphasizing first contact, comprehensive, and patient-centered care. It aims to improve health outcomes by facilitating healthcare access to all patients.
Primary care is a diverse healthcare system encompassing preventive, protective, and rehabilitative services. It is a holistic process focusing on multiple aspects of the patient rather than just the illness or the symptoms.
Principal functions of primary care
Primary care professionals diagnose and refer patients to specialists where necessary. It has several core functions:
· Improve access to health services: As the first point of contact, primary care diagnoses and recommends effective interventions for various ailments.
· Build lasting relationships with patients: A primary healthcare provider is often in contact with patients and their families. They can understand the patient’s unique situation and recommend therapy that fits their preference and lifestyle. The patient-doctor relationship promotes continuity of care, which improves treatment outcomes.
· Training and coordination: Primary care professionals receive training to provide quality care for different patients. It also involves coordinating a wide range of healthcare services to maintain standards for the duration of the treatment.
· Ensure patient-centered and comprehensive care: Primary care professionals emphasize the individual’s well-being. It explores different ways of providing the most effective interventions. The process may involve diagnosis, patient education, and decision-making support. It seeks to empower the individual to take charge of their health.
Benefits of primary care for chronic disease management
Research indicates primary care can promote and extend the life of patients with chronic diseases. Access to primary care enables early diagnosis and intervention. At the onset of the disease, symptoms are easier to manage.
Populations with poor access to healthcare have higher mortality rates for cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Patients often develop severe complications requiring hospitalization. Therefore, primary care reduces the risk of disabilities and absenteeism.
The healthcare model also promotes preventive care through timely screenings. The process can reduce incidences of disorders like high cholesterol, which are easy to manage. But without the proper intervention, cholesterol can clog arteries, leading to heart disease and death.
Since it facilitates early detection and intervention, primary care reduces healthcare expenses. Your healthcare provider will schedule annual screenings to evaluate your health status.
The cost of screenings and preventive care is lower than the expenses incurred during Emergency Room visits. Statistics show primary care can address 60% of ER cases. The report shows patients could save more than half of the costs.
Primary care providers focus on developing lasting relationships with patients and upholding the healthcare continuum. They empower patients to commit to the preventive management of chronic diseases. As a result, the process improves the patient’s experience and enhances the quality of care.
If you want to learn more about chronic disease management, contact All Health Medical Group or schedule your appointment using the online tool.