Switching Doctors? How, When, and Why to Make a Change in Your Primary Care Physician
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In an ideal world, you would keep the same primary care physician (PCP) for life, but circumstances rarely afford this opportunity. There are several reasons you may need to switch your primary care doctor, and you may not know how to even begin what may seem like a daunting process. Use our guide below to help determine if the time is right for a change, how to go about the transition, and make certain you are moving to a different doctor’s care for the right reasons.
Sleep Health = Better Overall Health: Why a Good Night’s Sleep is Important and When to See the Doctor
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Sleep is as vital to good health as a balanced diet and adequate hydration, but sleep quality and quantity are sometimes easy to overlook. If you are dehydrated, you will likely feel thirsty. However, the effects of sleep deprivation or poor sleep quality can slowly creep up on you and may not be apparent immediately. Still, your sleep health is tied closely to your overall health, so it is important that you get good sleep and see your physician if you find yourself continuing to have trouble catching enough Zzzs.
Do I Need a Primary Care Physician? PCP vs. Urgent Care
![Do I Need a Primary Care Physician? PCP vs. Urgent Care](https://physiciansallianceofconnecticut.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/woman-talking-with-primary-care-physician.jpg)
With urgent care centers popping up all over the place and emergency rooms always an option for timely health related issues, it can be difficult for some people to rationalize the need for a primary care physician (PCP). However, establishing care with a PCP is important when it comes to proactively maintaining your health, minimizing your risk for disease onset and providing healthcare within a holistic view. Below are some of the important reasons we believe it is a good plan of action to establish a relationship with a primary care physician.
Risk Factors for Heart Disease and How You Can Help Prevent It
![Risk Factors for Heart Disease and How You Can Help Prevent It](https://physiciansallianceofconnecticut.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/woman-holding-heart-in-hand.jpg)
The dangers of heart disease cannot be overstated. It is the number one cause of death in the United States for both women and men as well as the top cause of death worldwide. In fact, heart disease kills more people in the US annually than cancer and motor vehicle accidents combined. But despite the prevalence of heart disease, the good news is that there are actionable steps you can take to lower your risk of developing a problem.
2019 Healthcare Trends that Could Impact Patients in Connecticut
![2019 Healthcare Trends that Could Impact Patients in Connecticut](https://physiciansallianceofconnecticut.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/doctor-talking-with-patient-healthcare-2019.jpg)
Experts point out that the U.S. healthcare system is moving toward a financial model that is based on value rather than volume. Whereas historically each patient visit to a doctor’s office or emergency room was seen as a revenue opportunity, healthcare systems are now more focused on keeping people healthy and out of the hospital. We can expect this evolution in healthcare to improve the patient experience and help strengthen customer loyalty, build reputation and brand, and even improve the overall health of our communities. And for patients, remaining healthy means spending less money on healthcare, using less time to receive care, and encountering less inconvenience.
Do You Have a Cold or the Flu? Recognizing Flu Symptoms in Adults and When to See the Doctor
![Do You Have a Cold or the Flu? Recognizing Flu Symptoms in Adults and When to See the Doctor](https://physiciansallianceofconnecticut.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/adult-woman-in-bed-with-flu-symptoms.jpg)
Tis the season – unfortunately we’re talking flu season- where you start to wonder if what you’re feeling is more than just the common cold. With December 2 – 8 marking National Influenza Vaccination Week, it’s a timely step to receive your flu vaccine (if you haven’t already) and to better understand the flu symptoms in adults so that if you do get sick this winter, you can tell if you have the flu or have contracted a common cold.