We all know that it’s important to take care of our health, but many of us may not know where to start, especially if there isn’t a particular reason we feel like we need to go to the doctor. Taking care of your health is more than just seeing a clinician when you’re sick or if you have an injury—it’s about making sure you are monitoring your health, getting labs and screenings, and checking in on your physical health and mental health. Seeing a primary care provider (PCP) regularly, especially one that gets you and understands your unique needs, can ensure you are staying on top of your health and setting you up for the future. Read on to learn more about the importance of having a regular PCP and how FOLX can support you with expert LGBTQIA+ care.
What does a primary care provider do?
A PCP is someone who has a view of your holistic health and acts as your first point of contact for any health concerns. They can help you manage your overall health by making sure you have the proper screenings and lab tests you need at various stages in your life. You can go to a PCP for regular check-ins, including your annual wellness visit, and any time you want to check in on something that is bothering you, monitor a chronic condition, get sexual health testing, discuss your medication, get referrals to specialists, and so much more. PCPs can be doctors, nurse practitioners, or physician assistants, and they focus on proactive and personalized care.
A primary care provider can help you with:
- Annual wellness visits
- Mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or sleep issues
- Gender-affirming care, including hormone therapy or discussions around surgery options
- Chronic condition management for things like high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid disease, and more
- Treatment for illness
- Sexual and reproductive health care like UTI treatment, STI testing, birth control, fertility consultations, and more)
Why do I need a regular primary care provider?
A PCP can be someone who can help you maintain your health because they provide personalized, continuous care that can help you detect and manage health conditions early on. They have a comprehensive view of your medical history which makes it easier to see patterns or risk factors for you. Having a PCP that you trust and see on a regular basis ensures continuity of care and a more proactive approach to managing your health.
Having a PCP who understands your unique needs as part of the LGBTQIA+ community can make all the difference in not only your physical health, but your mental health as well. Many folks in the community report clinicians who have made assumptions about them or outright dismissed their concerns. Here at FOLX, you never have to worry about that. Our clinicians have extensive experience in working with the LGBTQIA+ community, and most are members of the community themselves. They will always treat you with respect and will never judge you.
Some of the benefits of having a primary care provider include:
- Knowing that someone is looking out for your health and that you always have someone to go to with any health concern
- Knowing you can talk to your clinician about anything, including sexual health and mental health
- Not having to explain your health history every time
- Keeping you on track with screenings based on your age and the body parts you have
- Making sure you get blood tests done to ensure continuous monitoring and catch any issues early
Why should I get primary care through FOLX?
Here at FOLX, we have LGBTQIA+ expert clinicians who get you, with no judgment, and are up-to-date on the relevant science and medical options for our community. Over 80% of our clinicians are part of the LGBTQIA+ community, too, so when we say we get it, we get it.
Here are some reasons to use FOLX as your primary care provider:
- Seeing an LGBTQIA+ expert clinician means you never have to explain your identity or your experiences
- You can reach out to your clinician and care team any time through our easy message center and get the answers you need
- If you have any issues or questions about your medications, labs, or insurance, our Member Navigators are always ready to help
- We keep track of your medications and remind you when you have a refill coming up
- We can refer you to specialists from our vetted network of clinicians all over the country for any follow-ups that you need
In Summary
Having a primary care provider who understands your unique needs can make a profound difference in your overall health. Whether it’s for routine check-ups, mental health support, gender-affirming care, addressing chronic conditions, or if you’re not sure where to start, a PCP can help you get the right care for your situation. Here at FOLX, we are experts in the LGBTQIA+ community and will ensure you feel seen, respected, and genuinely cared for. If you’d like to book a visit with one of our expert clinicians, you can get started here.
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FOLX Health is the first digital healthcare company designed by and for the LGBTQIA+ community. Our services include primary care, gender-affirming hormone therapy including estrogen and testosterone (HRT), mental health care, sexual and reproductive health care, and fertility consultations. FOLX memberships give you access to LGBTQIA+ expert clinicians, peer support, thousands of LGBTQIA+ resources, and more. Whether you’re lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, gender non-conforming, nonbinary, or another identity, you can find LGBTQ-specialized health care that helps you meet your wellness goals. Get all the benefits of becoming a FOLX member and sign up today!
