Why is Primary Care Important?
People who are generally in good health often do not need medications or have the need to meet with a health care specialist. As a result, it is common for patients to give little thought in selecting a primary care physician raleigh nc (PCP). Choosing a primary care physician who is also trained in Functional and Integrative medicine is very important. These specialized providers who have a primary care background can maximize your health and quality of life through mechanism other outside of traditional medication.
It is inevitable, however, that everyone will feel under the weather at some point and require attention from a medical professional. This scenario is when it can be advantageous to have a Primary Care Physician who you trust and who can serve as the first point of contact for treating your health concerns. A PCP is able to provide preventive care, train patients in making healthy lifestyle choices, diagnose and treat common medical conditions. The PCP is also able to make referrals to specialists, as needed.
In many cases, once a patient finds a PCP they trust, they chose to remain with that physician throughout adulthood. This type of long-term relationship allows the PCP to develop a baseline for the patient’s wellbeing and establish a relationship with you and your family. This allows for the optimal management of comprehensive health care. The relationship built with your primary care doctor is one of the most important relationships you can ever have.
A primary care physician is critical in helping individuals navigate good overall health and preventing future health issues or disease. This is done through the identification of risk factors and the coordination and management of chronic disease care for the patient’s longevity and improved quality of life.
The primary care doctor is someone who you can rely on to aid you in managing your health. The PCP can also help with preventive care such as routine physicals, screenings and immunizations. The physician can also diagnose and manage many common chronic conditions including hypertension, hormone imbalance, thyroid disorder, women’s health or type 2 diabetes. They are also able to help you when you experience the interruption of an illness or injury. Choosing one who has specialized training in Functional or Integrative Medicine can prove to be extremely beneficial when traditional medicine has not found a holistic or naturopathic treatment for your chronic condition.
The common services of a primary care physician often includes the following:
- Routine physical exams
- Prescribing necessary medications
- Treatment of minor illnesses and injuries
- Managing chronic conditions
- Screening for common health issues
Primary care physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners are unique as they are trained experts in treating a wide variety of health conditions. Many of these health care professionals also have specialized expertise in a specific area such as Functional medicine, integrative medicine, women's health, men's health, 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.
Starting in childhood and through the remainder of your life, primary care physicians are familiar with your medical history and special concerns which aid them in helping you make informed decisions regarding your health. The primary care provider works with their patients to develop personalized goals and wellness plans in order to meet each patient’s specific health needs. We strongly recommend a PCP who has training in Integrative and Functional Medicine so you can experience the most comprehensive approach to your health.
Using a comprehensive approach and broad knowledge, the PCP emphasizes health education, prevention and the treatment of chronic diseases. The most common different types of primary care include:
- Family Medicine - Physicians who provide care for the entire family in a variety of areas including obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics and internal medicine.
- Internal Medicine – Those who care for adults and treat a wide variety of both general and chronic conditions.
- Pediatrics - Compassionate and personal care for patients from birth through 18 years old.
- Adolescent Care - A team of physicians who focus on the specific needs of young patients between the 12 and 30 years old.
- Integrative Medicine- healing-oriented medicine that takes account of the whole person (body, mind & spirit), including all aspects of lifestyle.
- Functional Medicine - utilizes the most current scientific knowledge regarding how our genetics, environment and lifestyle interact as a whole system to diagnose and treat diseases based on patterns of dysfunction and imbalance.
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