Winter 2025 3 Why you need a primary care provider Insights from our experts Primary care providers (PCPs) play a vital role in keeping patients healthy and thriving. Three Texas Health Huguley PCPs answered some common questions about their work and the services they provide. QWhat exactly do PCPs do? “A little bit of everything,” says Christopher Rasmussen, APRN, FNP-BC. “From sick pediatric care visits to sports medicine screenings, I offer vaccinations, long-term health management and preventive care.” Margaret Joachim, FNP-C, adds: “We screen for diabetes and high cholesterol, coordinate mammograms and bone density tests, and can refer you to a gastroenterologist for a colonoscopy. I also perform well-woman exams for cervical cancer screening.” In addition to treating minor illnesses, PCPs can help manage chronic diseases. “Today, I saw multiple patients with asthma,” Christopher shares. “I took the time to educate them about the importance of using a rescue inhaler and how to use it effectively. I take the extra 10 to 15 minutes to talk to people about their disease, the medications they are taking and what the medications do for them.” Q Why should I choose primary care, even when I’m not sick? Regular checkups give your PCP the opportunity to prevent health issues or catch them early. “Oftentimes, we can have things going on in our body that don’t have symptoms,” Margaret says. “A perfect example is high blood pressure.” “It can be lifesaving,” emphasizes Jenner Hernandez, APRN, FNP‑BC. “The sooner you’re able to manage an issue, the easier it is to treat and the less damage it can cause to your body.” Routine visits also give patients a chance to ask questions and voice concerns. “I’m very proactive about education and fostering an environment where patients feel safe to ask and talk about anything,” says Christopher. QWhat do you enjoy most about your specialty? “I love interacting with folks and witnessing their progress,” Jenner shares. “When patients improve, feel better or tell you that they’re able to do more, that makes you feel successful.” PCPs and their patients often build long-lasting relationships. “We get to build a rapport,” Jenner says. “We know their families. We talk about more than just their health concerns.” Jenner Hernandez, APRN, FNP-BC TexasHealthHuguley.org/ Hernandez Margaret Joachim, FNP-C TexasHealthHuguley.org/ Joachim Christopher Rasmussen, APRN, FNP-BC TexasHealthHuguley.org/ Rasmussen Get connected to a PCP For an appointment, visit the relevant webpage:
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