Health & The City: A Primary Care Guide in New York

For those living in the Big Apple, keeping up with its rhythm means that sometimes, you can’t find the balance between your busy agenda and your wellbeing, which can result in your health being at risk. To avoid it, you can start by looking for primary care in New York.

At Be Well Primary Care Health Center, you can find health professionals that can help you keep up with your everyday life in the city. Keep on reading to learn about how you can choose the right doctor for you.

primary care doctor attending a new york patient

Why You Need Primary Care in New York

In New York, primary care has become a part of what defines the effectiveness of the healthcare ecosystem. As of now, the amount of adults who have a regular doctor has increased, reaching 77% as of now.

Finding a trustworthy doctor that can provide special care for you and your family is a priority for those who live the daily rush of the city.

Your primary care provider (PCP) is the first point of contact when you need medical assistance or are taking a proactive role in your health and want to access preventive care.. Your PCP’s role is to have an early approach to your health concerns before they become a chronic or severe disease. They achieve this by scheduling regular visits and creating tailored treatment plans based on your medical records. Building a close relationship with your healthcare provider as a patient is crucial, as they can ensure you get the specific help that you need based on your conditions.

Your PC doctor isn’t only in charge of getting to know your medical history一they administer exams, vaccinations, prescribe medications and can also order you to get laboratory tests, X-rays and scans. By combining technology and their expertise, they can give you a specific diagnosis and address any changes in your health. Another part of your primary care doctor’s job is to connect with other specialists and coordinate your case with them if needed. 

3 Tips For Choosing A PCP 

Before looking for a primary care provider, there are some aspects to consider. To make this choice, you should always put your needs first as a patient.

  1. Find Your Right Fit
  2. Logistics Matter
  3. Gather Your Records

1.  Find Your Right Fit

The first question to make to yourself is, “Why am I looking for a primary care provider?”

Typically, there’s more than one kind of primary care doctor, and some of them are:

  • Family Practice: Family practice doctors can treat a complete family of patients of all ages. They often treat a wide variety of conditions and cases like sports injuries.
  • Internal Medicine: These doctors are the first option for adults with chronic diseases or conditions一internal medicine also often coordinates with other specialists to effectively approach their patients’ case.
  • General Practice:  Although GP doctors share similarities with family practice doctors, what sets them apart is that general practice is also the first point of contact for mental health concerns, they work along with nurses, and they can also provide you with life-saving treatment before emergency services arrive.

2. Logistics Matter

In New York, 87% of locals named it as one of the most walkable cities worldwide. If you live here, you surely care about finding a PC doctor with a convenient location. And not only is walking distance important一you also want to consider the office hours, the availability and what other specialists are linked to them.

3. Gather Your Records

Before choosing your next primary care doctor, you need to have your medical records. In order to receive specialized medical attention, the healthcare professional will need access to your medical history一and it’s also necessary for starting to build a doctor-patient relationship based on trust.

Book Your Primary Care Appointment

At Be Well Primary Care Health Center, we know you care about getting medical services from professionals who understand your conditions. Our holistic approach is focused on making healthcare accessible for you and your family, providing you with preventive, rehabilitative, and palliative services throughout your life course.

If you’re in New York and want to choose a healthier life, contact us and you will find a team that is eager and ready to help you.