The Single Most Important Thing You Need To Know About PRIMARY CARE DOCTOR

 

 What exactly is a primary care doctor?

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors and Medically Reviewed by Melinda Ratini, MS, DO, on July 1, 2021. WHAT DOES A PRINCIPAL CARE PHYSICIAN DO?

Training and Education: 

What Conditions Do Primary Care Doctors Treat?

What to Expect When You Visit Your Primary Care Physician Keeping your health is about more than just going to the doctor when you're sick. It all boils Free Medical Clinics down to having a healthcare team that not only addresses your ailments and health issues but also takes an active role in assisting you in maintaining your health.

If you want to stay healthy, your primary care doctor is essential to your team. They are crucial in assisting you in living a healthier life and are frequently the first point of contact you or your family members have with the healthcare system. They treat common illnesses to prevent, treat and cure them, and they also work to improve health.

According to research, having access to primary care has a direct positive impact on health and wellness outcomes.

What is the work of a primary care physician?

A primary care physician provides general healthcare to patients and addresses various health issues. They are typically the first person you talk to if you have a health issue. You could rely on them for:

Treatment of common illnesses, early detection of diseases or conditions, such as cancer, and management of chronic (long-lasting) conditions are all examples of preventative care. A referral to a medical specialist is also common. A relationship and a trusting bond emerge over time. It is common for generations of a family to see the same doctor. As a result, the doctor can get to know them as people rather than just as a patient record.

The doctor can provide more individualized care because of this familiarity, which provides additional insight.

Education and Training A primary care physician's  primary health care educational path begins with an accredited (approved) undergraduate degree in pre-med or the sciences. They then start specific medical training, which includes the following:

Obtaining a degree in medicine or osteopathic medicine from an accredited medical school and passing the board exams for either

Completing a residency program with mandatory rotations in pediatrics, emergency medicine, obstetrics, general surgery, and inpatient hospital care is equivalent to passing Steps 1 and 2 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or Levels 1 and 2 of the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination of the United States (COMPLEX-USA).

Related: A physician's training is complete when they have met all requirements and are state residents. To obtain their certification, they may take the exam offered by either the American Board of Family Medicine or the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians.

They will apply for a license in their state to practice as a board-certified family doctor as their residency draws to a close. This requires either step 3 of the USMLE or level 3 of the COMLEX-USA.

What conditions are treated by primary care doctors?

A primary care physician manages patients' health. They can be found in private practices, long-term care facilities, outpatient hospitals, inpatient hospitals, clinics, and group practices.

If you have the flu, need to get vaccinated, primary care doctor want to quit smoking, manage your diabetes, or lose weight, you can go to your primary care doctor. They are trained to handle all aspects of healthcare, but if your condition requires more specialized care, they may refer you to a specialist.

They offer routine physicals, vaccinations, free clinic preventive care, and wellness screenings to help you manage your health. Additionally, they assist you in operating common illnesses and chronic conditions like diabetes, obesity, and hypertension (high blood pressure).

Depression and anxiety are among the conditions that your primary care physician can treat.

Why You Should See Your Primary Care Physician Unlike most other doctors, you should see your primary care physician regularly. They could also be seen as:

Get your annual exam, a health screening, or vaccinations if you have concerns about your health or want to improve your health.

If you are experiencing illness, you can be examined, have blood and other tests ordered, a diagnosis made, and your primary care physician prescribed medications.

Suppose you suffer from chronic illnesses like asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Throughout direct primary care your treatment, your primary care physician will continue to play a crucial role as a member of your health team and can assist you in finding specialists.

Suppose you get hurt or get into an accident. Even if all you need is a quick phone call to get pointers on what to do, your primary care physician is often your first stop.

You can get the health care you need from your primary care doctor.

Related: 

What to Expect at Your First Primary Care Visit The primary goal of your first appointment with your primary care physician will be to learn more about you, your medical history, and your healthcare requirements. They will give you a general exam, review your medications and medical records, and talk about your and your family's medical histories.

Specific healthcare objectives, such as strategies to improve or manage wellness or treat an illness, will be the focus of follow-up visits.

Make a list of your questions, worries, and any symptoms you're having before any of your appointments. You will remember to ask a question or tell your doctor something important this way. The key to a successful doctor's visit is preparation.