Why your primary care doctor matters more than you think

As you get older, having a trusted primary care provider (PCP) becomes more important than ever. A good PCP can help you manage health conditions, stay on top of routine care and guide you through decisions that impact your well-being.

Whether you’re new to Medicare or have been enrolled for years, the right PCP can help you feel more confident, cared for and in control of your health.

Your PCP is your main point of contact for care

Think of your PCP as your home base for all things health-related. They’re the person you go to for:

• Regular checkups and screenings
• Help with everyday health issues like fatigue, aches or chronic symptoms
• Preventive care that helps catch problems early
• Referrals to specialists when needed

Your PCP is often the first person you call when something feels off. Over time, they get to know your full medical history, your preferences and what matters most to you.

A strong relationship leads to better health

A good relationship with your PCP is built on trust and respect. You bring your experience of living in your body. They bring medical training and a broader understanding of health.

Together, you can:

• Talk openly about symptoms and concerns
• Make shared decisions about your care
• Stay focused on your goals, not just your conditions

When you feel heard and understood, you’re more likely to follow your care plan and feel supported along the way.

What value-based care is and why it matters

Not all care models are the same. In value-based care, doctors are rewarded for helping you improve your health, not for how many services they provide. That means they’re focused on quality, not quantity.

This kind of care can mean:

• Shorter wait times for appointments
• Longer visits with your doctor
• A team-based approach with nurses, specialists and care coordinators
• Help with medications, transportation, nutrition or emotional support

Value-based PCPs can offer a more connected experience that supports your health from every angle.

What to expect from a value-based PCP

At Humana, we not only care for our Medicare Advantage members, we care about them too. Many Humana plans partner with providers who take a whole-person approach to care. These doctors work with teams to ensure your care is:

• Personalized to your needs
• Coordinated between different providers
• Proactive, not just reactive

Instead of just treating symptoms, they look at the big picture. This helps reduce hospital stays, avoid unnecessary tests and lower your costs over time.

The benefits go beyond your appointments

Seeing a PCP regularly can help:

• Catch issues early before they become serious
• Monitor chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease
• Make medication changes that improve how you feel
• Provide referrals to physical therapy, behavioral health or other helpful services

These steps can help you feel more in control, improve your quality of life and possibly even extend it.

It’s about more than just treatment

Health care is not just about fixing problems. It’s about supporting your health in ways that help you stay independent, active and connected to the life you want to live.

Whether it’s managing pain, building strength, eating better or addressing emotional concerns, your PCP should be part of the team helping you feel your best.

You deserve care that fits your life

At Humana, we are dedicated to promoting this kind of holistic care. No matter who provides your Medicare coverage, you deserve a PCP who treats you with compassion, takes time to understand your needs and helps you live your healthiest life. And that’s what it’s all about for us: helping patients live healthier (and happier) lives.