Your partners
Primary care providers
in health
To find a PCP near you, go to
and click on “Find a Doctor.”
A cough
that won’t go away. A swol-
len ankle. A sore wrist.
These could signal something as be-
nign as a common cold or a mild sprain
or as serious as cancer. It’s nice to know
you can take these concerns to someone
you trust—someone who knows more
than just your name.
That person is your primary care pro-
vider (PCP). PCPs can respond to health
issues ranging from the straightforward
to the more complicated. And they
are already familiar with you and your
healthcare needs.
“Having a primary care manager
does seem to make a difference in one’s
health,” said Christopher Waguespack,
DO, a family medicine physician. “If a
person has continuing medical problems,
it is advantageous to have a doctor who
is versed in…the specific patient organiz-
ing all of the medical care for that person
to ensure that they are optimizing their
options for better health.”
Not just any doctor
When you have a health issue, your PCP
is the first person you call. PCPs are doc-
tors who specialize in treating the whole
person. For example, they can:
• Offer preventive care
• Answer medical questions with sound
advice that’s specific to your health
• Manage care for chronic conditions,
such as diabetes or heart disease
• Refer you to a specialist, such as a neu-
rologist, surgeon or oncologist, when
you need to see one
• Coordinate your healthcare, lab tests
and medications among multiple
healthcare providers
“For people who only need to come
to their PCP once a year, it is helpful
to have the same doctor reviewing
their information, because it is all in
one central location,” Dr. Wagues-
pack said. “That makes it easier
to ensure that routine tests and
appointment recommendations are
followed at the appropriate times.”
Choosing a PCP
A good relationship with your PCP can
have a positive effect on your health
and healthcare. If you don’t already have
a PCP, make choosing the right one
a priority. Look for someone you feel
comfortable with and who you believe
you can trust. Be sure to choose the right
doctor for your age and health history.
The Jackson Clinic Family Medicine
centers offer PCPs in your hometown.
With locations in Montgomery, Prattville
and Pike Road, you can choose a doctor
who provides excellent healthcare in a
convenient location. And the PCPs at
The Jackson Clinic are backed by Jackson
Hospital, which gives you access to a
range of specialized services, should you
ever need them.
Jackson Clinic primary care providers (from left): Andy Patchel, PA-C;
Christopher Waguespack, DO; and Ezmina Lalani, DO
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