Primary care physicians (PCP) are like conductors of a symphony. Not only do they orchestrate your overall health and care, they can often manage your conditions at a much lower cost than specialists.
Primary care physicians can include these types of doctors:
- Family doctors treat patients of all ages, from children to seniors, both men and women.
- Internists focus on adult health and manage conditions and complicated diseases, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney failure, and so on.
- Pediatricians specialize in caring for children, from newborns to teenagers.
- Geriatricians focus on the unique healthcare needs of older adults and often work in nursing homes, skilled nursing, and assisted living facilities.
Each of these physicians plays an important role in keeping you and your family healthy.
What can a primary care physician do for me?
A primary care physician is the leader of your healthcare team. They don’t just treat you when you’re sick—they also reduce your risk of complications and help prevent illnesses before they start. They provide:
- Routine check-ups to keep track of your health.
- Vaccinations to protect against diseases.
- Treatment for common illnesses like colds, infections, and the flu.
- Help with managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure.
- Advice on nutrition, exercise, and healthy habits.
- Referrals to specialists when you need advanced care.
Having a PCP means you have a doctor who knows your medical history and can guide you through health choices.
There is a difference between a primary care physician and a primary care provider:
- A physician is a medical doctor (MD) or a doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) who has the broadest medical training available to diagnose and treat disease. Physicians in good standing with their state medical boards have an unlimited scope of practice and an unrestricted license.
- A provider is a broader term that can include physicians, nurse practitioners (NPs), physician assistants (PAs), and other healthcare professionals. These latter types of providers are often referred to as physician “extenders,” because they have restricted licenses and their scope of practice is limited by law.
Both physicians and other providers can offer quality healthcare, but knowing the difference can help you choose the right person for your needs.
What primary care looks like in everyday life
Justin Davis, owner of a health tech company, first discovered primary care when he discovered that his newlywed wife’s family physician could see him as well. This doctor took care of his wife while she was pregnant, managed Justin’s osteoarthritis, and “everything in between.” Then one of their children began developing a serious mental health problem and was referred to a child psychiatrist. Unfortunately, the next available appointment was a year away.
When Justin went in for a routine appointment, he shared his concerns about his daughter. After asking several questions, his doctor encouraged Justin to bring his daughter in, which he did a few days later. After an assessment, this family physician prescribed a protocol that showed immediate benefit and stabilized her. A year later, when they finally got to their appointment, the child psychiatrist blessed the protocol and said, “That’s exactly what I would have done.”
How does HealthTap provide primary care value?
Understanding the importance of primary care, CHM’s Virtual Care Solution is now powered by HealthTap, an online healthcare service that makes primary and urgent care services convenient and accessible. With HealthTap, you can:
- See a doctor virtually through your phone, tablet, or computer.
- Ask medical questions and receive expert answers quickly.
- Get prescriptions sent to your pharmacy without an in-person visit.
- Receive ongoing care for chronic conditions.
HealthTap is far more than a typical telemedicine solution. Their entire mission is to make primary care accessible to you: your doctor who knows you and is available. HealthTap brings together the priceless value of your own primary care physician with modern technology.
Conclusion
A primary care physician is an important part of staying healthy. They help patients of all ages manage their health. Whether treating illness, preventing disease, or guiding you to specialists, a PCP is your partner in long-term health. Services like HealthTap make it even easier to access primary care, ensuring that you can get the medical help you need anytime, anywhere.
