A primary care provider (PCP) is a healthcare professional who helps you with your overall health. Your PCP can be a nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or medical doctor. You can choose your PCP, or your insurance company might assign one to you. It’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with your PCP for a complete health check.

When you visit your PCP, remember that they can’t read your mind. Write down any concerns you have and give the paper to your PCP to read. This helps them understand what you’re worried about and is the first step to finding out what might be causing your concerns. Your PCP is there to help you stay healthy and take care of any health problems you might have.