What happens when you can't see a family doctor regularly?

For many older Americans like Lynn Ramirez, a 65-year-old woman, maintaining regular access to a family doctor is crucial for her ongoing health. However, she often faces challenges due to her shaky access to a family doctor, which can be impacted by changes in her insurance. Ramirez's ability to see the same doctor regularly depends on her insurance coverage, and when her insurance changes, it can create a significant problem.

Doctors can see her cholesterol levels, but they may not know about specific medications she has tried, which can lead to unnecessary changes in her treatment plan. Ramirez must remember what medications she has tried before, as doctors may prescribe new medications without considering her previous experiences. Regular access to a family doctor is essential, as research has shown that seniors who see a primary care doctor regularly have a lower risk of death within the next 15 years and a longer median survival time compared to those without a primary care doctor.

This is because a strong relationship with a family doctor can help prevent illnesses, manage chronic diseases more effectively, and catch minor health problems before they worsen. Dr. Joe Betancourt, president of The Commonwealth Fund, emphasizes that primary care provides the most value for health and is a critical issue as America's lack of regard for primary care contributes to poor health outcomes and high healthcare costs.

Family doctors offer comprehensive care that patients cannot receive from urgent care or emergency rooms, focusing on prevention, managing low-acuity problems, and providing ongoing care to prevent complications and hospitalizations.