choosing a primary care physician :: Article CreatorWhat Is A Primary Care Physician?
Staying healthy is more than just going to the doctor when you're sick. It's about having a health care team that not only addresses your concerns and illnesses but also takes a proactive approach to help you stay healthy.
A primary care physician plays an important part in helping you stay healthy. They're also sometimes called primary care providers, or PCPs. They're often the first contact you or your family members have with the health care system. They offer care for preventing, treating, and curing common illnesses as well as promoting better health.
Research shows that having access to primary care can improve your health and wellness.
Your primary care physician is designed to be your first point of contact when you have a health concern. They can handle many common issues and refer you to a specialist if you need one. (Photo Credit: E+/Getty Images.)
A primary care physician practices general health care, dealing with a wide variety of health concerns for patients. They are typically the first person you talk to if you have a health issue. You might turn to them for:
Preventive care (taking steps to avoid illnesses) Treatment of common illnesses Early detection of illnesses or conditions (such as cancer) Management of chronic (long-lasting) conditions A referral to a medical specialist Some people stay with their primary care doctors for years. Over time, a bond of trust develops, and a relationship forms. This allows the doctor to know them not just as a patient file, but as individuals.
It's this familiarity that provides added insight, allowing the doctor to deliver more personal care.
You may want to find someone who can treat your entire family, children and adults. These kinds of practices are called family medicine, and the providers there are family doctors or family physicians. Family physicians are a subset of primary care providers.
A family physician's practice might include obstetrics — offering care throughout your pregnancy and delivering your baby. A family doctor also might perform minor surgery.
A family doctor is just one type of provider that falls under the PCP umbrella. Other types include:
Pediatricians. This type of provider has special training in treating newborns, babies, children, and teens. They don't treat adults.
Geriatricians. These doctors are trained to handle the complex medical problems that come with aging. Older adults might choose a geriatrician to be their PCP.
Internists. These are doctors who focus on treating adults and handle a variety of medical issues.
Obstetrician/gynecologists. Although they're technically specialists, OB/GYNs often serve as primary care providers for women of child-bearing age and those assigned female at birth. They are trained in all aspects of your reproductive system.
Nurse practitioners and physician assistants. These health care professionals aren't doctors, but they may provide some types of primary care.
The educational path for a primary care physician begins with earning an undergraduate degree in premed or the sciences from an accredited (approved) school. From there, they begin specific medical training, which involves:
Graduating from an accredited medical school with a degree in medicine or osteopathic medicine Passing board exams for either: Steps 1 and 2 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), or Levels 1 and 2 of the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination of the United States (COMLEX-USA) Completing clinical instruction or core clerkships Finishing a residency program with required rotations in pediatrics, emergency medicine, obstetrics, general surgery, and inpatient hospital care Training is complete when they have met all requirements and are residents of the state in which they will practice. At that time, they may take the exam by either the American Board of Family Medicine or the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians to get their certification.
As they near the end of their residency, they will apply for a license in their state. The license allows them to practice as a board-certified family doctor. This involves passing level 3 of the COMLEX-USA or step 3 of the USMLE.
A primary care physician is a health manager. They are in clinics, long-term care facilities, private practices, outpatient hospital settings, inpatient hospital settings, and group practices. They can handle issues such as:
Chronic conditions. A chronic condition is one that lasts three months or longer. Your PCP plays an important role in monitoring and managing ongoing health conditions. Common chronic conditions include:
Arthritis Asthma Cardiovascular disease Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Diabetes Hypertension Obesity Common illnesses. Your PCP is the provider you turn to when you need treatment for short-term health conditions. Among the common issues your PCP might handle are:
Colds and flu Ear infections Rashes and other skin problems Urinary tract infections Preventative care. Avoiding diseases or catching conditions before they become more serious is part of your primary care physician's role. To do that, they might:
Give you vaccines Order routine screenings such as colonoscopies and mammograms Check your cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and other key metrics through blood tests Pain management. Many chronic conditions, such as arthritis, cause pain regularly. Your PCP can take a wide-angle look at handling your pain. Your treatment might include medication, but also physical therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and exercise.
Nonemergency conditions. You can turn to your primary care physician to treat conditions such as insect bites, sports injuries, or sprained limbs. You should call 911 or go to the emergency room If you have new and urgent symptoms such as chest pain, trouble breathing, choking, uncontrolled bleeding, loss of consciousness, or numbness in your limbs. Don't wait until your PCP can see you.
Routine examinations and checkups. If you need a yearly physical, or your child needs one to play sports, your PCP can provide that.
Women's health. For women and those assigned female at birth, your PCP can help manage conditions and medications specific to your sex. They include:
Menopause Osteoporosis Thyroid issues Urinary incontinence Birth control Pap tests Prenatal care Men's health. For men and those assigned male at birth, your PCP can deal with conditions such as:
Prostate issues Erectile dysfunction Urinary incontinence Mental health issues. A PCP can help you manage conditions such as anxiety or depression. They also can refer you to mental health resources.
The first time you meet with your primary care physician, the focus will be on providing information. They'll need an understanding of you, your medical history, and your health care needs. They will review your medical records and medications, discuss your personal medical history as well as that of your family, and give you a general exam.
Follow-up visits will focus on specific goals such as strategies to improve or manage wellness or to treat an illness.
Before going to any of your appointments, make a list of questions, concerns, and any symptoms you are experiencing. This way you won't forget to tell your doctor something important or forget to ask a question. Preparation is key to a productive doctor visit.
Don't have a primary care physician? Here are some steps to help you find one:
Ask around. Check with family, friends, or neighbors to see if they have a PCP they recommend. You also can ask your pharmacist, dentist, or optometrist for a recommendation. If your previous provider is leaving practice, they may have a suggestion for their replacement.
Try professional associations. Your state medical association might maintain a list of providers in your area. You also could check with state-level organizations for physician assistants and nurse practitioners.
Your insurance. Health insurance providers usually have directories of physicians in their networks. You might receive a pamphlet with this information when you enroll, or it might be available online. You also can call the customer service number for your insurance for help finding a PCP.
Advocacy groups. If you have a specific condition or disability, support groups may maintain lists of recommended primary care physicians.
Here are a few things to consider as you choose a primary care physician:
Is the office staff helpful? Do they return calls? Do their office hours work with your schedule? Does the provider use email messaging or a portal to communicate with patients? What type of communication do you prefer? Do you want a physician who maintains a formal style, or do you want someone more approachable? Do you want a provider who focuses more on wellness and prevention, or one who focuses on treatment? What do colleagues or other patients say about the provider? How often does the provider refer patients to specialists or order tests? Does the provider view your relationship as a partnership? If you're leaving your current PCP on good terms, you can simply ask them for a referral. If you're moving to a new area, your current physician may have contacts there.
If you're unhappy with your current PCP, consider the reasons for that. What changes would you like to see in your relationship with your new PCP? Use that information to help you choose.
Before you change doctors, take these steps:
Request copies of your medical records from your current primary care physician. Inform your insurance company of the change. Make an appointment with the new physician you've chosen. Your primary care physician plays a vital role in your health. They provide preventative care and help you manage any ongoing conditions. They also can treat common illnesses and minor injuries, and refer you to a specialist if you need an expert for more focused care. Your PCP might be trained in internal medicine, family medicine, geriatrics, pediatrics, or obstetrics and gynecology. Sometimes, physician assistants and nurse practitioners work as primary care providers.
What are the most common duties of a primary care physician?
Your PCP's role is to help you manage all aspects of your health. In addition to treating you when you're sick, they'll help you stay on top of chronic conditions. They will also suggest steps to preserve your health, such as vaccines and regular tests.
What does a GP doctor mean?
GP stands for "general practice." A GP is a type of primary care physician. General practice is similar to family medicine; both treat people of all ages. However, family medicine physicians go through slightly different training.
How much does a primary care physician make?
A PCP's salary can vary depending on where they practice. Generally, a PCP's salary is $250,000 to $280,000 per year. They also may receive bonuses.
Can a gynecologist be your primary care physician?
Technically, OB/GYN doctors are specialists. However, research has found that many people consider their gynecologist to be their primary care physician and seek routine care there.
Finding A Primary Care Provider
In addition to the criteria above, there are a few other things to keep in mind when choosing your doctor for family medicine, pediatrics, women's health, or men's health.
Clinic Location
Choose a primary care doctor who practices in a location that is convenient. That could be a place close to where you live, or may be a clinic that is close to where you work if you think most of your visits will take place during daytime hours. Some physicians and APCs also practice in multiple clinic locations, so you may be able to find a provider who can see you in clinics near your home and your work.
Clinic Hours
Another important thing to check is the hours a clinic is open to see patients. If you have a hard time getting in during "regular" business hours, finding a clinic that has extended morning, evening, and weekend appointments can fit your lifestyle better. This makes it more likely you will be able to get in to see your doctor not only when you are sick, but also for regular check-ups.
Appointment Availability
Before choosing a primary care provider, find out if he or she is accepting new patients. If yes, find out how long it usually takes to get a new appointment. Clinics that have a wait time of several weeks or even months to see a doctor might not be the best choice for every patient, especially those who need to see a doctor frequently for urgent or acute care. Find out if the clinic offers same-day or next-day appointments in case you need to get in for an urgent visit when you get sick. Many of our primary care physicians leave slots open on their schedule for same-day or next-day appointments.
Some doctors also see patients virtually through our Virtual Care services. These visits offer convenient hours and same-day availability for non-emergency care through your smartphone, tablet, or computer.
Certifications and Training
Check the doctor's credentials—not just the type of degree that he or she has, but also whether they stay up-to-date on the latest advances and changes in medicine through board certification or affiliation with groups like:
American Academy of Family Physicians American Academy of Pediatrics American College of Physicians American Geriatrics Society Your Ability to Connect with the Provider
Along with finding a physician or APC who is competent and skilled at what they do, it's important that you feel comfortable with him or her. During your first visit:
Make sure the provider communicates with you in a way you understand. Make sure you feel comfortable asking questions and discussing your health concerns. Find out how you can communicate with the doctor's office. Many offer electronic communication through an online patient portal to make it easy to ask simple questions, receive lab results, or get medication refills between appointments. Evaluate the staff in the office (like nurses, medical assistants, and receptionists) to ensure you are comfortable with them, since you will talk to them to schedule appointments, help with medication refills, and more. Physicians Urge Men To Find Primary Care Doctor, Establish Regular Appointments
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - A physician from Trident Medical Center says choosing a primary care doctor and building rapport is a great way to boost men's health.
November is Men's Health Awareness Month, which Dr. Kenneth Perry, the assistant medical director at Trident Medical Center's Emergency Department, says is a good opportunity to make that connection.
Perry has served in a variety of emergency care environments, from New York City to New Orleans, and now leads efforts in providing top-tier emergency care to our community in the Lowcountry.
"I see patients in the emergency room who are dealing with the fallout from chronic conditions that could have been prevented or better managed with earlier intervention," Perry says. "Men often wait until things are really bad before they seek help, but by then, the damage has already started."
Perry says the importance of having a trusted Primary Care Physician cannot be overstated. He pointed out a common pattern: men are typically less likely than women to establish a relationship with a primary care provider. Instead, many wait until there's a crisis — whether it's a sudden heart attack, severe chest pain, or symptoms of diabetes — to seek medical help.
While emergency care certainly plays a crucial role in these moments, it's much better to address health issues before they escalate.
Your body doesn't have a "check engine" light like your car does, but there are early warning signs, like high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, or unexplained fatigue, that you can catch early with the help of a primary care doctor. A primary care provider helps you take proactive steps to manage your health, avoid preventable complications, and address any emerging concerns before they turn into bigger problems.
Perry emphasizes the benefit of having a primary care physician isn't just about treating illnesses but building a relationship with a doctor who understands your unique health risks and medical history. For men, this means taking into account family health history, lifestyle factors, and specific risks that might affect your health as you age.
"Each person has a different risk profile," Perry says. "For example, if there's a history of cancer or heart disease in your family, your primary care provider can help ensure that you're getting the right screenings at the right times. And if you're dealing with high blood pressure or early signs of diabetes, we can manage those conditions early, preventing them from becoming a larger, more serious issue down the line."
This relationship isn't something that happens overnight. It takes time and effort, but it's worth it. When you have a trusted physician, you're more likely to follow through on necessary screenings, adopt healthier habits, and stay ahead of potential health problems.
Perry says Trident Medical Center is working to make healthcare more accessible to people in the Lowcountry, particularly those in more rural or underserved areas.
To bridge the gap between patients and doctors, Trident has opened freestanding emergency departments in strategic locations throughout the region. These centers provide immediate care for emergencies - like chest pain or stroke symptoms - while also helping identify patients who may need follow-up care with a primary care physician.
"We want to be there when you need us most," Perry says. "If you come in with symptoms that indicate you need long-term care, we're here to help you take that next step. We'll connect you with a primary care provider and help you manage your health moving forward."
These freestanding emergency departments allow Trident to take emergency care to the people whether they are suffering from a sudden injury or experiencing a medical event that requires urgent care. After that immediate care, patients are able to seamlessly transition into the larger Trident network for follow-up care with specialists and primary care providers.
Perry says a common issue when it comes to men's health is stubbornness.
"We tend to think we're invincible," he says. "But I'm here to tell you, we're not."
Many men wait until they're in crisis mode to seek care, but by then, the situation could be much harder to manage, he says.
"We want to help men feel comfortable seeking care before it's too late," Perry says. "The longer you wait, the harder it is to manage those health issues down the road. But if we can start building that relationship with a primary care provider early, we can help you live a longer, healthier life."
Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.
Comments
Post a Comment