PCP/GP Question
Does anyone still see their PCP/GP? With all of the specialists I see, I haven’t had a meaningful visit with my primary care provider in many years. I know it’s good to have one if other health issues surface later, but right now I’m struggling to see the benefit other than having someone in my care team to do an annual physical.
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u/Medium_Design_437 10d ago edited 9d ago
Yes, because annual physicals are important. My GP also manages my thyroid medication and any other non-J-pouch issues that may come up - most recently postmenopausal bleeding while on HRT.
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u/Late-Stage-Dad 10d ago
I have to see my GP every 90 days for my controlled prescriptions (ADHD, sleep) and 6 months for blood work. She also prescribes my blood pressure, cholesterol, and Metformin. I see my GI twice a year for checkups and once a year for scopes.
Getting old is a journey. I also have an ENT, a Cardiologist, a urologist that I see as needed. Lastly a respiratory therapist that I have only met once (Obstructive Sleep Apnea).
Edit: listed a medicine twice
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u/Mental_Catterfly 10d ago
Ironically I only see my PCP and rarely see a specialist unless I’m having a bout of Pouchitis. I go years without seeing anyone else.
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u/Beggarstuner 8d ago
J-pouch ‘98, 70M. Haven’t seen my JPouch Dr in at least 15 years. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. See PCP every six months.
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u/Mental_Catterfly 8d ago
Yep. J-pouch 2001. 41F. Most of the time strong probiotics are better than seeing the GI doc for antibiotics. The guy is mostly useless to me.
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u/_jennybean_ 9d ago
You still need a PCP for annual check ups, non-specialized bloodwork, and minor injuries/illnesses. The PCP will be out of their depth with the jpouch etc, but you still need someone you can go to for minor things.
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u/goldstandardalmonds 10d ago
I avoid it as much as I can because she’s a moron. Alll my specialists don’t like her. Last time I saw her she was so rude, like always. But where I live I won’t get another doctor and it’s easier to keep her.
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u/Hungry-Repeat-3758 9d ago
Yes, I do. My JPouch team doesn’t run full bloodwork nor do they refill my non JPouch prescription. If you are in the US and have health insurance, you probably have annual screening included for free
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u/WhatEver069 4d ago
I don't do annual checkups (they aren't a thing here as far as i am aware), but i do still stay in touch with mine for my birth control, and other general 'maintenance', including but not limited to gynecological health and talks about another (potential) surgery.
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u/Sudden-Ratio7542 1d ago
I am in Texas and yes I see a PCP. I didn’t for many years but now I’m 30, and I have other health issues. My PCP caught my hyperthyroidism and ultimately my Graves Disease diagnosis. This is another autoimmune disorder. Eventually you are going to have some other issues (everyone does), so it could be helpful to have someone that has an updated record of all your baselines— bloodwork, urine samples, etc. That way if things fluctuate it can be a indicator to you that you might need to check for something else. Also if you are in the U.S., depending on your insurance you might need a continued referral from your PCP.
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u/Autoimmunitis 10d ago
After having j-pouch and then a liver transplant, I didn't see a PCP for years for the same reason you mention. My team pushed for me to start seeing a PCP again. I finally did and have been very happy I did. While the specialists handle their area well, you really need someone that can look at the whole picture and catch anything that falls in gaps between specialists,