Primary Care

What is a Primary Care Doctor?

A primary care provider (PCP) is a health care practitioner who sees people with common medical problems. The PCP is most often a doctor, though may be a physician assistant or a nurse practitioner in some cases. Your PCP might be involved in your care for a long time, so it’s important to choose someone you feel comfortable with. A PCP is your main health care provider in non-emergency situations and available to:

• Provide annual wellness visits and routine check-ups
• Provide preventive care and guide healthy lifestyle choices
• Identify and treat common medical conditions
• Make referrals to medical specialists when necessary
• Help manage chronic disease
• Stay involved in your care if you are hospitalized

Choosing Your Primary Care Doctor

There are several types of primary care doctors: Family Medicine, Internal Medicine (internist), Geriatrics and Pediatrics. You might find that a family medicine doctor is best if you want one doctor for the whole family. Or, you might choose an internist or geriatric doctor for the adults in the family and a pediatrician for the kids. Look for a doctor with a location that’s convenient for you − we offer many to choose from.