It’s primary, my dear
PRIMARY CARE IS AT THE CENTER OF YOUR GOOD HEALTH
Your primary care provider (PCP) is your health care partner and is there to help you get healthy, stay healthy, manage a chronic condition or cope with a serious illness. From providing annual physicals, immunizations and screenings to referring you to a specialist, your PCP gets to know you and your history to better diagnose, treat, counsel, and coordinate your care.
No matter your age or stage of life, an annual physical exam with your PCP can help to optimize your health. If health problems are identified early, they are more likely to respond to treatment—which can lead to a longer, healthier life.
Prevent Illness
Seeing your PCP once a year for a physical exam, even when healthy, may decrease the risk of disease. Catching health issues you didn’t know were there or know were coming can help to prevent bigger problems later.
Catch Health Problems Early
Your provider may order laboratory tests or preventive health screenings based on your age, gender, medical history, and family history. Depending on the results, your PCP may recommend follow-up testing and lifestyle, exercise, or diet changes to help you improve or maintain your health.
Update Your Medical Record
A lot can change in a year! Your annual physical exam is the perfect time to let your PCP know about any changes that could affect your health as well as update your medical records.
Establish A Strong Relationship
Your annual physical exam is a great opportunity to get face-to-face time with your provider. You can foster your relationship, share with them what is or is not working and find an agreeable plan going forward.
Whether you are starting with a new PCP or continuing with the PCP you’ve seen for years, you should come prepared to make the most of your annual physical exam. Consider bringing written lists of your current medications and supplements, other healthcare providers, and any health questions or concerns you may have. The more information your PCP knows, the better they can evaluate your overall wellness and offer personalized health advice.
Please call 412.942.DOCS or visit physicians.stclair.org/primary-care to find a PCP within the St. Clair Medical Group network. Multiple providers are currently accepting new patients.
As a leader in high value healthcare, St. Clair Health accepts all major insurances.
SEARCHING FOR A PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER?
The St. Clair Medical Group network offers experienced, board-certified primary care providers at nine different office locations throughout the South Hills area so you never have to go far to get the primary care you deserve.
Several of these offices reside within St. Clair Health facilities that offer both primary and specialty care, along with diagnostic and imaging services—all in one convenient location, close to home. From eliminating the need to visit multiple facilities to allowing for easier consultation among providers across disciplines, this coordinated approach to health care is invaluable to patients.
The newest St. Clair Medical Group office will open this month at the St. Clair Health Professional Office Building located at 1050 Bower Hill Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15243. In addition to primary care, patients can easily access other outpatient services on St. Clair Health’s main campus. Plus, valet parking is offered at the Professional Office Building entrance accessible from North Wren Drive.
