Most people see their OB/GYN for follow-up care during the first few postpartum months. But it’s also a good time to make sure you have a primary care provider—one you really like and trust—to help you stay healthy after your postpartum care is done, and for years to come.
What does a primary care provider do, and why is it so important?
Primary care providers (PCPs) see patients for regular well-patient checkups, and they’re there to help when you’re sick with anything from the flu to headaches to urinary tract infections. A primary care provider also helps you keep up-to-date on vaccines and health screenings, manage chronic conditions, and coordinate care if you see specialists. If you developed a new health issue during pregnancy, such as high blood pressure or gestational diabetes, a primary care provider can help you make a plan for follow-up care.
One of the best things about a primary care provider is that they get to know you as a person. When you build a relationship with your primary care provider, they’ll be there when you need them and can take your preferences and values into account when it comes to your care.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine examined the value of primary care. Researchers analyzed survey results from 49,286 US adults with a PCP and 21,133 U.S. adults without a PCP. They found that adults with primary care were significantly more likely to fill more prescriptions and to have a routine preventive visit in the past year. They were also significantly more likely to receive more high-value care, such as cancer screenings, including colorectal cancer screening and mammography.
How to find a good match
The best primary care providers communicate well and make you feel comfortable. Ask friends, family, or other healthcare providers for recommendations if you’re just starting your search. From there, a few questions can help you find the right provider.
When you’re considering a new practice, check their website or call to ask:
- Is the provider in-network for your insurance?
- Is the office easy for you to get to?
- Are the office hours convenient?
- Is there someone on-call after hours?
- How long does it take to get an appointment?
- If you have any health conditions, does the provider have experience with them?
After your visit, ask yourself:
- Did you feel comfortable talking to the doctor? Sometimes, finding a doctor with a background and life experiences that are similar to yours can help, especially if you’ve experienced racism, sexism, or other issues with doctors in the past.
- Did you feel respected and not rushed?
- Did the doctor answer questions in a way that was easy to understand?
If you’ve found a doctor who meets your needs and makes you feel comfortable, that’s wonderful! If not, it’s okay to keep looking for the right doctor for you. Putting in the time to find the right provider now can help you take care of your health for years to come.
Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team
Sources:
- Harvard Health Staff. “Why do you need a primary care physician?” Harvard Health. Last reviewed: February 2024. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/why-do-you-need-a-primary-care-physician-2019081917527
- Healthline: “How to Choose a Primary Care Physician: 11 Tips for Finding a Healthcare Ally.” Healthline.
Dec 21, 2023. https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-choose-a-primary-care-physician - American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). “What to Expect at a Postpartum Checkup—And Why the Visit Matters.” ACOG. Last reviewed: February 2024. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/the-latest/what-to-expect-at-a-postpartum-checkup-and-why-the-visit-matters
- Ovia Health. “Identifying with your healthcare provider can lead to better outcomes — that’s why Ovia offers racially concordant care.” Ovia. June 2, 2023. https://www.oviahealth.com/blog/identifying-with-your-healthcare-provider-can-lead-to-better-outcomes-thats-why-ovia-offers-racially-concordant-care/
