A strong, accessible primary health care system keeps people well and out of hospital by supporting them to manage their health issues in the community and at home.
Our primary health care services can improve your health and well-being by supporting you to manage complex and chronic conditions and, by doing so, reduce the need for specialist services and visits to emergency departments. This is a key priority for Healthmed Medical Centers.
Providing health care close to home is most effective. Chronic conditions —such as mental illness, arthritis, diabetes, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cardiovascular disease—are becoming increasingly common in the South African population and account for a significant proportion of potentially preventable hospitalisations. Given this, as well as an ageing population, the role of our primary health care services in keeping people well is important.
The types of services we deliver under primary health care are broad ranging and include general practice services, prevention and health screening, early intervention, treatment and management. Services may be targeted to specific population groups such as older people, mothers and children,young people, people living in rural and remote areas, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse, and low socio-economic backgrounds Primary health care services may also target specific conditions and health care needs, like sexual health, drug and alcohol treatment, oral health, cardiovascular disease, asthma, diabetes, mental health, and obesity.
Our primary health care services works best when it is adapted to suit the specific needs of the local community. Healthmed Medical Centers provide the infrastructure to support, adjust and reform the primary health care system within our operating regions. Healthmed work collaboratively with other regional health stakeholders to plan, design and commission evidence-based health services that support the specific needs of local communities and better integrate the health system at the local level.
Primary health care services may look and operate differently, depending on location. Services designed for metropolitan areas may need to be adapted to work effectively in regional, rural or remote communities. There may also be significant variations in the way services are structured because of other factors such as population characteristics, socio-economic circumstances, infrastructure, health status, and workforce mix and availability. Social determinants of health—such as housing, education, employment, infrastructure and transport—can strongly influence the health of individuals and affect the sustainability and accessibility of health services.
Most medical aids pay for acute rehabilitation to facilitate return to function and reduce complications. This helps preserve patients' medical savings.
Your primary care provider from Healthmed is your partner on your health journey. They can make recommendations, track your care journey and support you as health needs arise. It is important to have a primary care physician to maintain your health and prevent any issues or conditions. Your primary care physician can monitor your health and medication from year to year, and they are your first point of contact for health.
You should consider seeing your provider at-least twice a year to maintain your health. At this appointment, your provider will conduct a wellness exam and may ask you questions about your health.
Additional appointments may be needed if any conditions, symptoms or needs arise.
As you get ready for your first primary care visit, bring any historical medical records, immunization records and insurance information.
