Primary Care
Having a primary care doctor is a key component of good health. Your primary care physician helps coordinate all your care and treatment and serves as your personal health advocate. They can provide referrals and access to specialists, so it's important to establish a long-term relationship so your doctor is familiar with your history.
Primary care doctors diagnose and treat patients with a wide range of conditions and illnesses, and work collaboratively with specialists and other medical professionals to deliver health care. Your doctor can also help you stay healthy by offering preventive health information, as well as answering your questions about health concerns or issues.
Types of medical providers within primary care include:
- Family medicine - Offer primary care services for the whole family, from pediatrics to senior health care
- Internal medicine - Specialize in providing health care to teenagers and adults
- Pediatrics - Provide care for babies, children and adolescents
- Senior care - Offer specialized care and treatments designed to help keep older adult patients healthy
- Women's health - Specialize in providing care to female patients of all ages