Why Establishing Care with a Primary Care Provider Matters



At Baptist Medical Group, providers like Sarah Holloway, FNP-C, are dedicated to helping patients live their best life. Schedule an appointment by calling 448.227.5050 and start building a healthier future today.

Brunette female in white coat, she is a nurse practitioner

Why Establishing Care with a Primary Care Provider Matters

By Sarah Holloway, FNP-C, Baptist Medical Group Family Medicine – Pace

When it comes to maintaining good health, one of the most important decisions you can make is establishing care with a primary care provider. Many people seek medical attention only when they are sick. Having an ongoing relationship with a trusted provider can help prevent health issues, identify concerns early and support your overall well-being throughout every stage of life.

A primary care provider serves as the foundation of your health care journey, offering preventive care, routine screenings, chronic disease management and guidance for achieving your health goals.

"Primary care is about much more than treating illness," says Sarah Holloway, FNP-C, with Baptist Medical Group Family Medicine - Pace. "It's about building relationships with patients, understanding their wellness goals and helping them stay healthy through prevention, education and early intervention."

The Benefits of Establishing Care

When you establish care with a primary care provider, you gain a health care partner who understands your medical history, lifestyle and personal health concerns. This familiarity allows providers to deliver more personalized and effective care over time.

Regular wellness visits can help:

  • Monitor your overall health
  • Manage chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease
  • Keep vaccinations and screenings up to date
  • Detect potential health concerns before they become serious
  • Coordinate specialty care when needed

According to Holloway, one of the most rewarding aspects of primary care is the opportunity to build lasting relationships with patients. She emphasizes that strong communication and trust are the most important factors in a successful provider-patient partnership.

Prevention Is Key

Preventive care remains one of the most powerful tools in protecting long-term health. Annual wellness exams and routine screenings can identify risk factors and detect conditions early, often before symptoms appear.

"My top priorities with every patient are establishing goals, providing education and supporting wellness and preventive care," says Holloway. "Taking a proactive approach can make a significant difference in enhancing a patient's quality of life."

Preventive services may include:

  • Blood pressure and cholesterol screenings
  • Diabetes screenings
  • Age-appropriate cancer screenings
  • Immunizations
  • Nutrition and physical activity counseling
  • Mental health support

Holloway notes that she has a particular interest in preventive measures and early detection because of the impact they can have on helping patients maintain their health and independence.

A Trusted Health Partner

Individual health needs change over time, and having an established primary care provider ensures you have someone in your corner through every stage. Whether you're scheduling an annual wellness visit, managing a chronic condition, or seeking guidance for a new health concern, a primary care provider can help you navigate the path forward.

"Patients can expect honesty and advocacy from me," Holloway says. "I want my patients to know they have someone in their corner they can trust who wants the best for them."

 Take the First Step Toward Better Health

If you do not currently have a primary care provider, September is a great time to establish care. Build a relationship with a provider before health concerns arise for lifelong wellness.

At Baptist Medical Group, providers like Sarah Holloway, FNP-C, are dedicated to helping patients live their best life. Schedule an appointment by calling 448.227.5050 and start building a healthier future today.