We need more PCP. New Mexico has a dangerous shortage of primary care health workers. According to the National Institutes of Health, every 3,500 people need one primary care provider. Kaiser Family Foundation data from December 2018 shows New Mexico is designated as a health care worker shortage area, with only 23% of PCP needs being met. We need 261 more practicing physicians so that every New Mexican can see a doctor without waiting two weeks.
When a trusting relationship exists between a person and their PCP, improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels are observed. Controlling these risk factors reduces the number of deaths and hospitalizations from stroke, heart attack, and kidney failure. Having a primary care team reduces emergency room visits and prevents readmissions.
What is a primary care provider? The New Mexico Medical Board defines a PCP as “a health care provider who typically serves as the first point of contact and primary point of contact for a patient’s continuing care and coordinates other specialty care and services that the patient may require. It is defined as “the person”. If you have a sore throat or are due for an annual checkup, see your PCP. A diabetic patient frequently visits her PCP to monitor blood sugar levels and adjust medications. The average cost of a PCP office visit is approximately $100. Whether the patient pays or the insurance company pays, seeing a specialist such as a gynecologist or endocrinologist is significantly cheaper than the nearly $350 per visit. To make matters worse, an emergency room visit easily costs more than $1,233, according to a 2013 NIH study.
PCP focuses on prevention and health maintenance to prevent catastrophic events such as strokes and heart attacks. The American Academy of Family Physicians says, “Primary care-based systems can be less costly because of fewer patient hospitalizations, less duplication of care, and better use of technology.” . An adult in the United States who has a primary care provider will have his health care-related costs reduced by 33%. ”
PCPs in New Mexico include internal medicine and family medicine physicians, osteopathic physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and starting in July 2020, naturopathic physicians.
Introducing the new PCP, or naturopathic physician. In 2019, the New Mexico State Legislature passed the Naturopathic Medical Practice Act. Starting in July 2020, a naturopathic doctor will be licensed by the New Mexico Medical Board to practice as her PCP if:
- Complete an approved naturopathic medical education in an accredited four-year graduate-level medical program similar to that of a physician, providing full-time instruction and supervised clinical training.
- I passed the national qualification exam.
- I passed the state law and pharmacist exams.
- Demonstrated good moral and professional character.
What is a Naturopathic Doctor? The land of enchantment has a rich history of traditional medicine. Naturopathic doctors bridge the worlds of Western medicine, allopathic medicine, and the holistic and time-honoured world of natural medicine. They are trained in scientific diagnostics (laboratory tests, imaging, physical examination). In addition to pharmacotherapy and minor surgery, we provide integrated medicine based on scientific evidence, including nutrition, herbal medicine, hydrotherapy (think of applying a warm compress or ice pack to a sprained ankle), homeopathy, and natural remedies. Also included. They focus on treating the whole person and supporting a person’s innate self-healing process. Naturopathic doctors strive to identify the root cause of the disease and create a personalized treatment plan to address it, rather than just suppressing the symptoms.
What can I expect when I visit a naturopathic PCP? In general, NDs take more time to listen to you. The philosophy of naturopathic medicine includes the principle of addressing the cause and the physician as teacher. If your ND PCP discovers that you suffer from heartburn and find yourself eating late at night or eating on the go, we will educate you on optimal digestion and eat mindfully and earlier in the day. We may recommend lifestyle changes such as: If your lifestyle simply cannot tolerate the recommended changes, you may be offered a selection of herbal remedies or prescription medications. Because health is greatly influenced by behaviors such as smoking, diet, stress, physical activity, and sleep habits, therapeutic dietary and lifestyle recommendations are usually made. Scientific advances are extending lifespans. A PCP’s job is to help you optimize your health and well-being along the way. New Mexicans will soon be able to choose a naturopathic doctor to support them on their journey.
Jacqueline Villalobos is a naturopathic physician who practices at Mirasol Physical Rehab Center, 2455 E Missouri Suite B. She can be reached at 971-409-0603 or jacquiv.jv@gmail.com. Visit her website at jacquelinevillalobosnd.com.
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