Importance of Primary Care Physician

Primary care physician or PCP is a practitioner who delivers first contact for patients with an undiagnosed health issue and also continuing care of varied medical conditions.

PCP should have MD, MBBS or DO degree to be called as a primary care physician.

Health Care

Primary care physicians provide basic diagnosis and non-surgical treatment for common illnesses and medical conditions. PCP diagnoses the patient to collect the information on the present symptoms, past medical history and other health details as well as do a physical examination.

PCP is a well trained physician in some medical tests like interpreting results of blood or other patient samples, electrocardiograms, or x-rays. If you are in need of any complex and intensive diagnostic procedures, then you should consult a specialist.

PCP guides you about the safe health behaviors, treatment options, self care skills, and also provides screening tests and immunizations. So, initially any patients should contact the PCP. He/she is the main health care provider in any non-emergency cases.

PCP role is to:

• Provide preventive care and teach healthy lifestyle habits
• Recognize and treat the common medical illness
• Evaluate the urgency of your medical condition and direct you to the best place for that care
• Refer to any other medical specialists in case of your need

Usually, primary care is provided in an outpatient basis. Having a PCP can give you a trusting, ongoing relationship with one medical professional over time. There are various types of PCPs from which you can choose based on your condition.

Pediatricians: They are trained to care for newborns, children, infants, and adolescents. They have completed a pediatric residency.

Obstetricians/gynecologists: They are the PCPs for women, especially pregnant women.

Family practitioners: These practitioners care for children and adults of all ages. They can do minor surgeries.

Internists: These care providers can take care adults of all ages for various medical problems.

Physician assistants and Nurse practitioners: These practitioners have undergone through a different training and certification. Often they can be called as physician extenders.

So, search for primary care physicians in your local area if you have any non emergency medical condition. People who don't have any primary care provider and if any medical problems arises, then it is best to seek non-emergency care from any of the Urgent Care services in your local area instead of any hospital emergency room. Often this will save your time and money. To find out more on primary care provider, just call to the hospital.

Importance of Primary Care Physician