June 27, 2024
By August Ryan; Reviewed for medical accuracy by Seema Baranwal, MD, FACP, and Nielufar Varjavand, MD

Although it may be convenient to go to a walk-in clinic or urgent care for your medical needs, having a primary care provider is important. Read on to learn why you should have a primary care provider, who you will see for wellness visits and illnesses throughout the year.

A primary care provider knows your medical history.

They will learn and keep track of your medical history. They can make better recommendations with that in mind. A provider you are meeting for the first time will need to be filled in on your history.

A primary care provider can provide more services.

Urgent care and walk-in medical centers may not provide a full range of services. Your primary care provider can diagnose and treat a wider range of issues.

You can build trust with a primary care provider.

When you have trust with a provider, you may be more comfortable being honest about sensitive health issues. It will be easier to discuss tough topics like mental health, substance misuse, or personal circumstances that are affecting your health.

A primary care provider can better manage your medications.

A primary care practitioner can not only prescribe medicine, but also follow up with you. You can share side effects. Then, they can work with you to change your dose or find a medication that works better.

Need a primary care provider?

Learn how to make a new patient appointment with a Drexel Internal Medicine provider here.

Some issues, like sprains, or respiratory illnesses, do require urgent care. We offer same-day or next-day appointments for urgent symptoms. Call 215.762.5037 or learn more here.