{"id":21917,"date":"2025-01-17T12:17:29","date_gmt":"2025-01-17T17:17:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/richmond-city\/?p=21917"},"modified":"2025-01-17T12:18:19","modified_gmt":"2025-01-17T17:18:19","slug":"resolve-to-connect-to-primary-care","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/richmond-city\/2025\/01\/17\/resolve-to-connect-to-primary-care\/","title":{"rendered":"Resolve to connect (to primary care)"},"content":{"rendered":"

For many of us, the start of a new year is a time to build new healthy habits. One of the most important health practices you can start or continue this year is locating a primary care provider.\u00a0Because it can take some time to schedule a wellness visit or to find a new provider, plan ahead to make consistent care part of your 2025! <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What is a primary care provider?\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A primary care provider (PCP) is a doctor, nurse practitioner, or other medical professional who sees patients consistently over the course of their lives. A PCP can help you track health concerns over time, support issues like chronic disease management, and refer you to specialists if you develop a health condition that needs more specific care.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Why do I need a PCP?\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Everyone deserves access to a medical professional with whom they feel safe. When we have a consistent medical home we trust, our providers can help us track changes in our health and well-being, and their advice is specific to what they know about our life circumstances. We often say \u201cspeak to a medical provider or your PCP\u201d when we make health recommendations because that person knows YOU\u2014they can help you figure out what recommendations are most appropriate for you.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Do my kids need their own primary care?\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

They sure do! RHHD Children\u2019s Health Advisor Becca Bruhl says that primary care is vital for kids: \u201c<\/span>Connecting with a primary care provider is essential for families, especially those with young children, as it ensures regular health monitoring, vaccinations, and preventive care. It also builds a trusting relationship that allows for coordinated care and timely support for both physical and mental health concerns.\u201d You can learn more about specific health needs for children on RHHD\u2019s <\/span>School Health Hub<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I have Medicare or Medicaid, or I don\u2019t have insurance right now. Can I still find a primary care provider?\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Absolutely! RHHD keeps <\/span>a list of providers in Richmond and Henrico<\/span><\/a> who accept patients without insurance as well as people with private insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid. Virginia also has an <\/span>online platform<\/span><\/a> where folks with Medicaid can search for covered providers.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How can I plan for a primary care appointment?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When you schedule your first primary care appointment, you can make sure that your insurance is accepted or that you meet financial eligibility to be seen. You can also confirm what you\u2019ll need to bring with you. Most appointments will want you to bring the following:\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n