I have to see my PCP twice a year, once for well exam (pretty useless “exam” these days) & basic labs and once for a mid-year med check (thyroid meds). I’m increasingly seeing a PA or NP in her practice instead, which I am okay with … but would not be if I ever have a “something is wrong but I don’t know what” issue. I really value my PCP’s approach to things , so I would want her to be the one I take the hard stuff to.
I saw my PCP before going to the urologist, because I had no idea my issue was kidney stones. If I ever have what I suspect is a kidney stone again, I will go directly to the urologist.
I have always gone straight to my dermatologist for anything skin related. My PCP has never done skin checks while I have seen her. She just asked if I get annual skin checks, which I do.
My knee is bothering me, and I may email my PCP for an orthopedic recommendation, but probably not. I know a number of people who can give me good ortho recommendations.
My H goes to his PCP first for everything. However, when she wanted to put him on bp meds, he scheduled a cardiologist appointment on his own - but all his information was shared with his PCP.
Frankly, I am not interested in paying the appointment charge to see my PCP when I know that she will refer me to a specialist, who will charge even more. Having a (very) high deductible plan makes you think twice.