relationships are

WORDS : TARA EKREN

You know that feeling when you walk into your favorite coffee shop and they know your order? Or, you go to your hair appointment and your hairdresser asks how your daughter’s graduation party went? It is nice to have someone who listens, cares and knows you.

You know how comforting this can be if you have a similar relationship with your health care provider. If you don’t, know that this kind of relationship is possible when you establish a primary care provider, also known as a PCP. This provider will get to know you professionally, personally and make sure your health and well-being are their top priorities.

“It’s important to find a primary care provider who can get to know you, develop a relationship with you, have a deeper understanding of your medical issues and concerns and help keep you up to date on routine screenings, preventive care and vaccinations,” says Sara

This provider becomes familiar with your lifestyle, your family and other factors that might affect your care. They can also tailor your care to meet your individual needs. You see the same provider for routine care as well as chronic disease management, so there is a continuity of care that’s beneficial. This provider will see the big picture of your health and know that a cough that won’t go away or fatigue could be related to a more significant issue.

Benefits of a PCP

“In my experience, I’ve had several patients do routine screenings and we’ve caught things like cancer at early stages,” Schafer shares. “Another benefit is that I’m able to coordinate care for patients with complex issues who are seeing multiple specialists within the health system. I’m able to make sure we are all on the same page with the patient’s care.”

SARA SCHAFER became a nurse at Essentia Health in 2012 before beginning her nurse practitioner education. She has been a family medicine nurse practitioner since 2016.

Choosing your PCP

When you’re looking to establish care with a primary care provider, there are a few things to consider.

♦ Are you looking for a medical doctor, a physician assistant or a nurse practitioner? Medical doctors and physician assistants are trained in the medical model or disease-centered model of care and both have advanced educations. A nurse practitioner is trained in the nursing model or patient-centered model of care and has nursing experience before advanced education. All providers are well qualified to care for you and, at Essentia Health, we encourage our providers to practice at the top of their licensure.

♦ Maybe you want to pick a clinic location close to home or work. Ask your friends and family for recommendations, or choose a provider based on their gender. You can visit EssentiaHealth.org to research clinic locations, providers at those locations and view biographies and videos of providers.

Family Medicine

Family medicine or family practice providers see people of all ages, from infants to elderly. Family medicine encompasses patients with both chronic (long developing) and acute (sudden) conditions. They can provide well-child checks and routine screenings; address male-and female-specific health concerns and exams; give vaccinations; and offer care related to family planning and birth control. They also can manage chronic conditions and diagnose and treat a wide range of illnesses, infections and injuries; provide nutrition and exercise guidance and perform preventive care visits.

Family medicine can care for your entire family. When your family sees one provider, that provider can get to know the entire family and build relationships individually and together. “It’s rewarding to see families grow and change over the years,” Schafer says.

READY TO SCHEDULE YOUR VISIT?

You can call 701-364-8900 to schedule your appointment or visit essentiahealth.org to make an appointment online.

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