Examples of Primary Care
In the medical field, there are more than 100 various specializations for doctors. While primary care accounts for a small fraction of these specialties, research confirms that there are significant benefits of having a primary care provider wake forest nc. The following article will review the differences among five of the most common types of primary care providers
Primary Care Doctor
A primary care doctor, Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner is a healthcare provider who aids patients in the overall management of their health. The healthcare provider is able to help patients with preventive care, such as routine physicals, screenings and immunizations. In addition, they are able to diagnose and manage various chronic conditions including hypertension and type 2 diabetes and acute conditions such as COVID-19 and Corona Virus. The primary care doctor, Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner can help patients when they experience illness or injury.
Common services of a primary care doctor includes:
- Routine physical exams
- Prescribing necessary medications
- Treatment of minor illnesses and injuries
- Managing chronic conditions
- Screening for common health issues
- Management of acute health conditions
Primary care physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners are unique as they are trained experts in treating a wide variety of health conditions. Some of these health care professionals also have specialized expertise in a specific area such as Integrative Medicine, Functional Medicine, women’s health, mens health, thyroid disorder, hormone imbalance, diabetes or geriatrics. In the event a patient requires specialized care, their primary care doctor is able to help them navigate the next steps and connect the patient with the appropriate specialist.
There are five different types of primary care doctors. Each type of doctor has a different background and focus, however, all are able to provide patients with their preventive health care needs, and can aid in managing various chronic conditions. Below is a summary of the five types of primary care doctors.
Family Medicine Doctors
The unique benefit of a family medicine doctor, family practice physician assistants and nurse practitioners is that they are able to care for your entire family. They are trained to see babies, children, parents and grandparents. Regardless of who in your family needs care, a family medicine doctor physician assistants and nurse practitioners is familiar with your family history and can provide highly personalized care to everyone. A family medicine doctor, physician assistants and nurse practitioners can also be a convenient option for busy families who want to schedule multiple appointments for the family on the same day.
Pediatricians
Pediatricians specialize in the care for children, starting at birth through early adulthood. They are trained to treat minor illnesses and injuries, in addition to with more complex conditions. Pediatricians are specifically experts in understanding developmental milestones and ensuring children stay on track for a healthy future as they grow.
Internal Medicine Doctors
Internal medicine trained doctors, physician assistants and nurse practitioners who are also called internists, provide care for adults beginning in early adulthood and through old age. Because they exclusively treat adult patients, internists are well informed on issues that affect adults, such as high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.
Internal medicine-pediatrics doctors
Internal medicine-pediatrics doctors combine two different types of doctors into one. They are board-certified in both pediatrics and internal medicine. These doctors provide care for kids and adults. They help to prevent, treat and diagnose various diseases. They are also sometimes called med-peds doctors.
OB-GYNs
OB-GYN, also known as obstetrics and gynecology doctors are those who specialize in women’s health. They provide routine women’s health services and screenings, and are able to practice within a primary care clinic or a specialty office. OB-GYNs can also assist with family planning and can aid in choosing the right birth control option. They also provide care for women during milestones such as pregnancy and menopause.
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