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Primary Care Important During Pandemic
Pimary care physicians and providers are the gateway to the health system. They are vital to keeping patients healthier longer. Your primary care provider (PCP) has always been the first step in maintaining good health and practicing preventive care. Your PCP is even more important during our current pandemic.
Primary care has been on the frontlines of the pandemic since the beginning, caring for patients, testing for COVID-19 and providing guidance and treatment. At Family Practice Associates, our providers and staff have been adhering to the recommendations provided by the Centers for Disease Contron to protect our staff and our patients while continuing to test for COVID and provide treatments for all illnesses.
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One of the unintended consequences of the pandemic has been a delay in care for people with chronic or serious conditions. It is understandable patients have delayed elective procedures, follow-up appointments, lab work or annual physicals. However, delays can lead to more serious issues in the future, particularly for those with unmanaged or untreated chronic conditions.
FPA encourages all patients to keep their regular annual physicals and three-month/six-month follow-up appointments with their providers to ensure your medical conditions are being monitored and treated appropriately. Lab tests, preventive visits and screenings, such as physicals and Medicare Wellness visits, are excellent ways to identify health issues before they become more serious. Your PCP is trained to help both your physical and mental health. This is more important now than ever, because mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, have been on the rise significantly during this time of uncertainty, and your PCP can help you cope with and manage your stress. In addition, certain health conditions may require a visit to a specialist. Your PCP can give you referrals and also help coordinate information exchanges between your other health care providers.
Telehealth options are still available for many appointments, but sometimes it may be necessary for your provider to see you in person. We offer options such as waiting in your car and other precautions that minimize your exposure as much as possible.
At FPA, we feel it is an honor and a privilege to be trusted with your healthcare and the care of your family. Our providers recommend all patients find a PCP in our practice that meets your needs and fits with your expectations, and then build a partnership with him or her with open communication. Our practice is unique in that we have a variety of physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants with varying years of experience and areas of expertise. Some of our providers have been in practice for awhile and they may have closed panels, but we have other excellent options and choices for you to find your PCP partner for life.
Particularly during this difficult time, don’t delay care even if it seems routine. It is very important to keep your regular appointments and allow us, your partners at FPA, to help you stay healthier longer.
ABOUT FAMILY PRACTICE ASSOCIATES OF LEXINGTON
TWO LOCATIONS: 1775 Alysheba Way, Ste. 201 and 615 East Brannon Road, Ste. 100 • 859.278.5007 • www.fpalex.com
Proudly serving Kentucky for over 35 years, Family Practice Associates of Lexington is a group of primary care providers who are dedicated to giving family-centered care from birth to later years.
