New Year’s Resolution: Find Your Primary Care Provider at Bluestem Health

Approximately 20% of adults in the U.S. don’t have a primary care physician they see regularly, according to a 2024 Yahoo News/YouGov poll. The data suggests the older you are, the more likely you are to have a primary care physician: 82% of 45- to 64-year-olds who were surveyed have a primary care physician, while 93% of those over 65 have one. But just 54% of respondents aged 18 to 29 reported having a primary care physician, along with 76% of those aged 30 to 44. Not having a primary care provider can mean missed opportunities for preventive care, delayed diagnoses of chronic health conditions, and higher use of urgent or emergency care facilities, which can put added strain on staff.

At Bluestem Health, we believe that a primary care provider gives you a trusted partner in your health—someone who knows you, listens to you, and cares about your well-being. Our primary care providers are here for everyday needs, like checkups and preventive screenings, and for those moments when something doesn’t feel quite right. We take time to understand your health history, answer your questions, and help catch concerns early.

When you need additional care, we help coordinate next steps so nothing falls through the cracks. Most importantly, we build lasting relationships that support your health, your goals, and your family—now and for the years ahead.

Benefits of Having a Primary Care Provider

• Someone who truly knows you.  A primary care provider gets to know you beyond a single visit, including your health history, your concerns, and your goals, so care feels personal, thoughtful, and consistent.
• Preventive care that keeps you well. Regular checkups, screenings, and conversations help catch concerns early and keep small issues from becoming bigger ones.
• A first call when something doesn’t feel right. Whether it’s a new symptom or a lingering question, you have a trusted place to turn, without wondering where to start.
• Care that’s coordinated and connected. When you need specialty care, your primary care provider helps guide next steps and keeps everything working together.
• Support for your whole life, not just illness. From managing chronic conditions to navigating life changes, your primary care provider is there to support your health at every stage; you’re never doing it alone.

Finding the Right Primary Care Provide

When it comes to choosing a provider, you want someone who you can feel comfortable with when talking about all aspects of your health. It also helps to know that you and your provider have other things in common besides just your annual exam or when you feel ill. At Bluestem Health, you’ll find many primary care doctors with a variety of interests that you may connect with.

Meet Bluestem Health’s New Providers

Brett Wergin, MD

Dr. Brett Wergin grew up in Lincoln and says returning home “just felt right.” He spent seven years practicing full-scope family medicine in Fairbury, Nebraska, caring for patients in the clinic, hospital, emergency room, and nursing home. Through that work, he discovered what he values most: building meaningful, one-to-one relationships with his patients and their families.

Dr. Wergin enjoys working with a diverse community and meeting people where they are. He believes in listening to his patient first, then together, they make care decisions that work best for the patient. He has special interests in preventive medicine, diabetes management, cardiology, and psychiatry. Dr. Wergin also enjoys hiking, concerts, and traveling, especially to Guatemala and Spain.

Dr. Wergin is currently accepting new patients, including those with Medicare coverage.

Maxine Turvey, APRN-FNP

Maxine Turvey, APRN-FNP, believes the best care happens when patients feel like true partners in their health. She takes a collaborative, down-to-earth approach, encouraging her patients to ask questions, stay informed, and feel confident in the decisions they make.

After more than seven years working in emergency medicine, Maxine saw how often people ended up in the Emergency Room simply because they didn’t have a primary care provider. This experience shaped her passion for proactive, accessible care at Bluestem Health.  She enjoys building strong relationships and empowering patients every step of the way.

Maxine loves DIY projects and spending time with her family and two lively dogs. She is currently accepting new patients of all ages.

Start the New Year with Bluestem Health

As you think about your goals for the new year, consider making your health a priority by establishing care with a primary care provider you can trust. We’re here to meet you where you are, listen to what matters most to you, and support your health now and into the future. A healthier year starts with a strong relationship. Dr. Brett Wergin and Maxine Turvey, APRN-FNP, are here to care for you at Bluestem Health’s Main clinic, 1021 N. 27th Street in Lincoln, Nebraska. To schedule an appointment, call 402-476-1455.