10 Reasons to Have a Primary Care Physician

When moving to a new area, it’s extremely important to establish medical care as soon as possible. It is recommended that you have a primary care physician who knows you and your family well, and Bingham Healthcare has got you covered. They have primary care physicians located in Idaho Falls, Blackfoot, Shelley and Pocatello.

Having a primary care physician (PCP) is always a great place to start; they are like the team captain of healthcare for your entire family. They specialize in family medicine, internal medicine and obstetrics and gynecology, and they are here to listen and answer any questions you may have. 

Here are ten compelling reasons why it’s important for you and your family to have a primary care physician (PCP).

1. Continuity of Care

When an entire family has an ongoing relationship with a primary care doctor, they get a better quality of care. Physicians get to know you and your family over time, and, ultimately, know what is right and wrong for you because they are familiar with your lifestyle, your health, your family and your medical history.

2. Health Education

You and your family will receive special attention from a primary care doctor. They are like “medical life coaches” and take the time to teach healthy lifestyle choices to help you and your family live the best possible lives.

3. Higher Level of Comfort

A primary care doctor is someone you can always feel comfortable voicing your concerns to and leave an appointment feeling as though you were really listened to. They will help you to become an informed and active member of your healthcare decision-making process.

4. Preventative Care

A primary care doctor understands preventative care. Like a dentist, they perform annual checkups to uncover any problems. The earlier health abnormalities are detected, the better chance you have at receiving treatments that could result in more favorable outcomes. 

5. Health Management

They provide thorough health evaluations for the entire family—from infants to the elderly. These evaluations include: well-child visits for immunizations and sports physicals and wellness exams for men and women. These preventative exams can help detect high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart problems, thyroid issues, diabetes, a variety of cancers and so much more.

6. Advocate

A primary care doctor is a reliable and trustworthy resource to help you navigate the complex healthcare system.

7. Referrals to Other Medical Specialists

An experienced and well-connected primary care doctor will provide qualified assistance in finding the right specialist when required by illness or injury. Bingham’s PCPs will be able to get you a referral appointment with all of their world-class specialists—quickly and easily.

8. Coordination of Care

If a specialist is required, a primary care doctor can coordinate information between other healthcare providers, making sure there is no duplication of testing to help reduce your medical costs.

9. Better Patient-Doctor Communication

They are your first line of defense if something is not right. They will take your phone calls and answer any questions you might have about a pressing medical issue. They can assess the urgency of most medical problems and will direct you to the best place for that care.

10. Longevity

They look at the “big picture” of you and your family’s health. Overall, having a primary care doctor will keep you as healthy as possible as you navigate through the many stages of life. Studies show people who regularly visit a PCP have longer, healthier lives. 

Bingham Healthcare Has Got You Covered

Bingham has a growing number of family medicine specialists located throughout Eastern Idaho. To find a provider in Blackfoot, Idaho Falls, Shelley or Pocatello, please visit www.BinghamMemorial.org/Family-Medicine or call (208) 785-4100.

Bingham Healthcare’s Urgent Cares

If you or a loved one need medical care that does not require a trip to the ER, all of Bingham’s urgent cares throughout Eastern Idaho are currently open. For non-emergent situations, they have urgent cares at the following locations throughout Eastern Idaho:

Bingham Healthcare’s Urgent Cares

If you or a loved one need medical care that does not require a trip to the ER, all of Bingham’s urgent cares throughout Eastern Idaho are currently open. For non-emergent situations, they have urgent cares at the following locations throughout Eastern Idaho:

IDAHO FALLS

Ammon Medical & Urgent Care

3456 E. 17th St., Suite 125

(located near the corner of 17th St. and Ammon Rd.)

Ammon, ID 83406

(208) 529-2828

Hours of Operation

Mon. to Fri.: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Sat. & Sun.: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

BLACKFOOT

1st Choice Urgent Care & Family Medicine

Riverside Plaza (across from McDonald’s)

1350 Parkway Drive

Blackfoot, ID 83221

(208) 782-2410

Hours of Operation

Mon. to Fri.: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Sat. & Sun.: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

POCATELLO

1st Choice Urgent Care – Bannock Highway

1595 Bannock Highway

Pocatello, ID 83204

(208) 239-6511

Hours of Operation

Mon. to Fri.: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Sat. & Sun.: closed

For information about all of Bingham’s doctors and specialties, please visit www.BinghamMemorial.org.

Mr. Brandes is a Business Writer at Bingham Healthcare