Primary Care
Despite what you may have heard, it takes more than an apple a day to keep the doctor away. Besides, keeping the doctor away is not such a great idea. Prevention takes more than an apple, and it’s truly the best way to stay healthy. That means making sure you get proper nutrition, exercise regularly, and see your primary care physician (PCP) once a year for regular checkups.
The Role of Your PCP
One way to think of your PCP is as your healthcare quarterback. A PCP is the doctor in charge of your overall health. They will:
- Treat every day medical issues like strep throat, GERD, or stomach flu
- Help you manage chronic conditions like high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes
- Coordinate essential screenings and regular exams
- Keep you up to date on immunizations and booster shots
- Advise you on healthy lifestyle choices to help you stay well
- Provide referrals and access to Community Memorial’s network of excellent specialists
- Collaborate with your specialists to oversee your overall care
Types of Primary Care Providers
Internist
An internist is trained in Internal Medicine, the prevention and treatment of adult diseases. Internists have broad, general knowledge in Adolescent Medicine, Allergy and Immunology, Cardiology, Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, Hematology, Infectious Diseases, Nephrology, Oncology, Pulmonology, Rheumatology, and Sports Medicine. When patients require more specialized care in any of these areas, the internist refers them to a specialist.
Family Medicine
As the name implies, Family Medicine is practiced by physicians trained to treat the whole family, from babies to great grandparents. Family medicine physicians receive three years of specialty training in inpatient and outpatient medicine — this includes procedural and pediatric training with an emphasis on behavioral science and patient communication. Family medicine physicians often practice in rural areas where access to physicians can be challenging.
Pediatrician
Infants, children, and even adolescents are not mini adults. They are growing and changing and have unique medical and developmental needs. They are best served by family medicine or pediatrics professionals.
Pediatricians are PCPs trained to understand normal child development and focus on diseases and disorders that are common during childhood and adolescence. This includes both physical and mental conditions — from asthma and allergies to ADHD.
Geriatrician
Every age has its pleasures — and its problems. There are many age-related issues affecting people 65 and older, such as arthritis, cardiovascular disease, joint replacement surgery, hearing loss, and dementia. Moreover, these issues tend to worse as we age. Seniors may choose to see a geriatrician, a physician who is specially trained to work with older patients.
Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Nurse practitioners are registered nurses (RNs) with a post-graduate degree, typically a master’s. Nurse practitioners can serve as primary care providers. They are trained to diagnose and treat acute conditions. Their certification allows them to order diagnostic tests like X-rays or lab work and prescribe medication.
