4 Types of Primary Care

When you say you need to “go to the doctor,” you’re usually referring to your primary care provider, who addresses your general health and well-being. Primary care is an excellent way to treat ordinary illnesses and catch health problems early, before they become more serious.

In addition to treating various aches, pains, and common illnesses, primary care providers also offer treatment and education for chronic diseases, provide immunizations, screenings, and physical exams, work to protect your sexual health, and help you reach your health goals through health counseling.

If you’re not sure which primary care doctor to go to, there are four common types of primary care, at least one of which will fit your needs. The provider team at Physicians Medical Primary Care offers all four types — here’s more detail about each one.

Family medicine

Family medicine is exactly what it sounds like, providing medical services to everyone in the family, from new babies all the way through the oldest members. Doctors at our office are trained to treat infants, kids, adults, and senior citizens, providing comprehensive health care, including preventative care and immunizations.

Internal medicine

Internal medicine provides services ranging from annual checkups and immunizations to pre- and post-operative care if you have a surgery. Screenings and treatments for blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, and more fall into this category.

Pediatrics

If you have an infant, child, or adolescent, you’re familiar with pediatricians, who provide care to the younger generation, including prevention and treatment for diseases and injuries common to kids. Pediatricians can handle whatever your kids need as they get older, including growth and development advice, as well as the immunizations required for school.

Obstetrics and gynecology

OB/GYNs provide women’s services, including well-woman exams, family planning, and reproductive health. They cover everything from planning your family to prenatal care to delivering your baby and providing post-pregnancy care until you’re back to normal.

If you’re facing a health issue that requires the insights and knowledge of a specialist, your primary care doctor can refer you to the appropriate office. This helps connect you with the right doctor, and helps keep your primary care doctor in the loop with all of your health issues.

If you haven’t been to the doctor in a while, now is a great time to go! Just contact any of the three Physicians Medical Primary Care offices by phone or with our online scheduler to set up an appointment time, and you’ll have taken the first step to improving your health!