People who are aware of Chestnut’s services know that we offer help for those who suffer from mental illness and substance use disorder; however, many still don’t realize that Chestnut has a Family Health Center that offers primary medical care for all ages and genders. Primary care services are available not only to our current clients with mental health and substance use issues but also to the public at large. As the only primary care doctor at the Granite City location, I am privileged to work with two (soon to be three) excellent board-certified nurse practitioners here.
Your primary care provider, or “PCP,” should be the most important member of your healthcare team. What should they do for you? Foremost, they should answer any questions you have about your health, and educate you on how to improve your health. They should screen for common conditions that might adversely affect your health, such as cancer, high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, depression, smoking, and substance use. They should evaluate any new disturbance in your sense of well-being and promptly communicate the results of their evaluation to you. When necessary, they should arrange appointments with appropriate specialists and help you in coordinating your care and in making major healthcare decisions, such as whether to have surgery. They should understand you, meet you where you are in life, and assist you on the journey to becoming your optimal self.
In order for this ideal to become reality, you must trust and respect your PCP and they must reflect that trust and respect back to you. In order to achieve your best health, you must be comfortable speaking the truth to your PCP and they must be comfortable hearing your truth.
Keeping it Real for Wellness,
Dr. G
Chestnut Family Health Center (CFHC) is committed to delivering comprehensive, high-quality, personalized care. To schedule an appointment in Bloomington, IL, call (309) 557.1400. In Granite City, call (618) 877.4420.