We spoke with Dawei Zhao, MD, CAQSM, a primary care physician with Tufts Medicine Primary Care—Reading, about why having a PCP is one of the most important decisions you can make for your long-term health.
What does a primary care physician do?
Primary care is often the first point of contact in the healthcare system, but its role goes far beyond that. A PCP provides comprehensive, ongoing care—tracking your health over time, identifying risks early and helping you make informed decisions.
"Primary care is where the full picture comes together," said Dr. Zhao. "It's not just about treating symptoms, it's about understanding the patient as a whole person over time."
That long-term view is what makes primary care so effective. PCPs are also deeply connected to the communities they serve, often caring for multiple generations of families and understanding the local factors that influence health. That perspective allows them to play a proactive role in keeping their communities healthier overall.
Why having a PCP matters
Without a primary care physician, healthcare can quickly become fragmented. Patients may rely on urgent care or specialists for individual issues, but no one is overseeing the bigger picture.
Having a PCP creates continuity. It means there's someone who understands your medical history, keeps track of screenings and medications and helps you navigate the system more efficiently.
"Without a PCP, care can become very reactive," says Dr. Zhao. "There's no one connecting all the pieces."
Patients with a PCP are more likely to catch health concerns early, stay up to date on preventive care and avoid unnecessary hospital visits.
The power of preventive care
Preventive care is one of the cornerstones of primary care and one of its biggest advantages. Routine checkups, screenings and immunizations help identify potential health issues before they become serious.
These visits also create space for conversations about lifestyle, risk factors and small changes that can lead to long-term benefits.
"A lot of what we do is focused on prevention," Dr. Zhao says. "These are opportunities to catch issues early and change the trajectory."
For example, early detection of high blood pressure or prediabetes can significantly reduce the risk of more serious conditions down the line.
Managing chronic conditions over time
For patients living with chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma or heart disease, primary care provides essential, ongoing support.
Rather than addressing these conditions in isolated visits, PCPs take a long-term, proactive approach—monitoring progress, adjusting treatment plans and helping patients stay on track.
"Chronic disease management isn't a one-time visit," Dr. Zhao explains. "It's a continuous process."
This continuity helps reduce complications, improves quality of life and ensures that care remains aligned with each patient's needs.
Coordinating care across specialists
Modern healthcare often involves multiple doctors, from specialists to imaging centers to hospitals. Without coordination, this can feel overwhelming.
Primary care physicians play a central role in connecting these different parts of the system. They help guide referrals, ensure information is shared and support patients in understanding their care plans.
"Healthcare can feel fragmented," says Dr. Zhao. "Primary care helps bring it all together—like a quarterback leading a team, making sure the right plays happen at the right time and everyone is working toward the same goal."
Within integrated systems like Tufts Medicine, this coordination becomes even more seamless, allowing doctors to collaborate more effectively and keep patient care aligned.
Building a relationship that lasts
One of the most valuable aspects of primary care is the relationship between patient and physician. Over time, that relationship builds trust, making it easier to have open, honest conversations about health.
PCPs get to know not just your medical history, but also your goals, challenges and preferences. That context leads to more personalized and meaningful care.
"When patients feel comfortable, they're more engaged," Dr. Zhao said. "That makes a real difference."
Getting started with a PCP
If you don't currently have a primary care physician, getting started is simpler than many people think. An initial visit can establish a baseline, review your health history and identify any immediate needs.
From there, primary care becomes a partnership that changes with you over time.
"It's never too late to establish care," Dr. Zhao says. "That first step can have a lasting impact."
Primary care is the foundation of a healthier future. It supports prevention, improves chronic disease management and ensures that care across specialists is coordinated and connected.
By building a relationship with a primary care physician, patients gain not just medical expertise, but a trusted partner in their health journey.
"When primary care is strong, patients are healthier, more supported and better equipped to manage their health," said Dr. Zhao.
Tufts Medicine has primary care physicians accepting new patients across Massachusetts, ready to help you stay healthy through every stage of life.
