A Relationship That Matters: The Value of Having a Primary Care

Gayla Couch has never been one to sugarcoat things. Not about life, not about her health, and certainly not about living with diabetes.

Gayla lives in Sumner, Illinois. For more than 15 years, she has trusted her health to her primary care provider, Heather Ludwig, MD. Their relationship is built on honesty, trust and mutual respect.

“I don’t beat around the bush, and neither does she,” Gayla says. “We’re very blunt with each other, and that’s exactly what I want in a doctor. I’ll be honest with her, and she’ll be honest with me.”

Gayla was not surprised when she was diagnosed with diabetes. With a strong family history, she had seen the condition up close throughout her life and learned early how to recognize the signs.

“I knew it was coming,” she says. “I grew up around it. My mom taught me what to watch for and how to take care of myself. When I started drinking water nonstop, I knew.”

Managing diabetes has not always been easy, especially while also caring for her husband and handling the stress of everyday life. Gayla is the first to admit she is not a perfect diabetic, but she is grateful to have a provider who meets her where she is.

“She’s been very good with me about my diabetes,” Gayla says. “I tell her the truth, even when it’s not pretty, and she works with me. She doesn’t judge me, and she doesn’t give up on me.”

For Gayla, having a primary care provider goes far beyond treating illness. It is about being known, understood and heard.

“It’s important to have someone who listens to you and understands you,” she says. “You need a provider who can take what you tell them, no matter how honest you are, and not take it personal. Someone who knows you and your history.”

That long-standing relationship has shaped how Gayla approaches her health. She pays close attention to her body, speaks up when something does not feel right, and values having a provider who truly listens.

“Nobody knows your body but you,” she says. “But you still need someone you trust to help take care of it. That’s why having a primary care provider is so important.”

After more than a decade of care, Gayla says the relationship she has built with Dr. Ludwig gives her confidence and peace of mind.

“She knows me,” Gayla says. “And I know I can talk to her about anything. That matters more than people realize.”

Finding the right primary care provider can make all the difference in managing your health, just as it has for Gayla. Building a trusted relationship starts with finding a provider who listens, understands and partners with you in your care. If you are looking to establish care with a provider you can trust, visit gshvin.org/findadoc to find the right provider for you.