Why you need a primary care provider

Thursday, March 13, 2025

A physician checking a patient's blood pressure during an office visit.

A study published in 2019 shows that having a primary care physician (PCP) is good for your health. The researchers looked at information from more than 70,000 adults in the United States. They compared people who had a PCP with those who didn't. They found that people with a PCP were much more likely to take their medicines as prescribed, get yearly check-ups, and receive important health tests like colon cancer checks and mammograms.

TeamCare provides a large network of PCPs through Blue Cross Blue Shield. Whether you need a physical or wellness check-up, routine lab and screenings, or care because you’re sick or injured—your PCP can help make sure you get the medical care you need. Visit MyTeamCare.org/Find-A-Provider to find an in-network primary care provider.

Reasons to have a primary care provider: Continuity: Your PCP will monitor your overall health and wellbeing during your entire life, History: Your PCP is familiar with your medical history which helps with treatments and management of chronic conditions, Cost: Your PCP is much less expensive than receiving non-emergency care in an Emergency Room or Urgent Care setting, Referrals: Your PCP can recommend other medical specialists if necessary, Prevention: Your PCP can perform annual routine screenings and assess any changes that need to be addressed.

Levine DM, Landon BE, Linder JA. Quality and Experience of Outpatient Care in the United States for Adults With or Without Primary Care. JAMA Intern Med. 2019;179(3):363–372. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2018.6716