Why is seeing a primary care provider (PCP) important?
Take it from Prevea Health’s President and CEO, Ashok Rai, MD, one of the most important relationships you can build for your health is with a primary care doctor (PCP).
Dr. Rai went nearly 10 years without seeing his own primary care doctor. He was busy taking care of everyone else but we wasn’t taking care of himself. He rationalized feeling worn down and weight gain, thinking that if something was really wrong, he'd know it as a physician.
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When cardiac symptoms appeared, his cardiologist ordered an echocardiogram. As a busy professional, he delayed it for months and without regular check ins with his primary care physician, no one had a complete picture of his health to recognize the urgency. The results were eye-opening: high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, complications from diabetes and heart disease – resulting in emergency heart surgery.
The mental journey following surgery and lifestyle changes were just as difficult as the physical recovery, if not harder. Today, with healthier habits, he's in a better place both mentally and physically. Dr. Rai shares his story so others can learn from his experience. His message is clear. “Regular check-ups matter.”
Schedule that 30-minute appointment. Rather than taking time away from things, see it as an investment in your future and the people who count on you.