For many people, the opening days and weeks of a new year are a time to reevaluate goals or pursue new ones, including those that relate to their health. It’s also a good time to think about how a primary care physician can help you improve your quality of life.
Primary care physicians serve as partners who guide their patients through the complexities of the health care system, and they’re typically the first providers people turn to for nonemergency needs. They offer preventive health services such as wellness exams and immunizations, but they also provide treatment and support for patients whose lives are upended by serious medical conditions.
All of us will encounter health issues at some point in our lives, and we all want to be able to trust that we’ll receive the highest-quality care when we need it. If you haven’t already chosen a primary care physician, then here are some reasons why you should find one in 2026.
FAMILIARITY WITH YOUR HEALTH
Primary care physicians are trained to diagnose and treat a wide variety of health conditions, whether they’re common illnesses or long-term issues such as high blood pressure or diabetes. Some of these providers are family physicians who see patients of all ages. Others focus on a specific age group, such as pediatricians who specialize in treating young patients and internists who care for adults.
These providers make a difference through their knowledge of patients’ medical histories. Through repeated visits over years or decades, physicians can gain an understanding of their patients’ unique needs and deliver personalized care.
Familiarity with the patient also allows the physician to detect changes in their vital functions that might indicate a more serious medical condition. In many cases, early detection can make a life-saving difference, giving the patient more treatment options and the ability to take a more proactive role in managing their health.
SUPPORT WHEN YOU NEED IT MOST
No one wants to learn that they have a serious or long-term health condition, and such diagnoses often mark the beginning of a scary and confusing period for patients. This is when primary care physicians play one of their most important roles, coordinating their patients’ next steps into the health care system.
Physicians help develop treatment plans and handle referrals to specialists when needed, ensuring that their patients receive expert care. They remain with the patients throughout their health care journey, supporting them by answering questions, managing medications and addressing any new symptoms that arise.
HOW TO GET STARTED
Even if you’re young and healthy, you’ll ultimately benefit from establishing care with a provider you trust. To find a doctor in your area, I would encourage you to seek recommendations from friends and family members or search online for physicians whose personality and expertise fit your needs.
The next step is to schedule a visit, and getting an annual wellness exam is a great place to start. These screenings give providers a baseline understanding of their patients’ health and help them identify issues that might warrant further testing or treatment. You’ll also have an opportunity to ask questions and make sure the physician is invested in helping you achieve your health care goals.
However, it’s important to remember that your relationship with your primary care physician isn’t limited to a once-a-year screening. If you meet with a provider but don’t feel that they’re quite the right fit, then continue searching until you find one who is right for you.
What matters most is that you have a physician with whom you’re comfortable entrusting your health for years to come.
