A primary care physician (PCP), also known as a primary care doctor, is a health professional specializing in general medicine. It is where patients can go if there is a need for routine, expected, and unexpected checkups. Patients can also go to them for non-emergency medical care like fever, cough, and colds. There are different primary care doctors—family doctors, pediatricians, internists, obstetrician-gynecologists, and nurse practitioners. But which one’s for you? Here are some ideas.
1. Family Doctors
Often considered first-line of care providers, family doctors are suitable for most people. They typically find similarities in other primary care doctors. Family doctors usually work in hospitals or health organizations. They are also known as general practitioners.
A family doctor can be good for parents as they can address issues concerning children and other family members. They are also suitable for people who deal with several different medical specialists as they can coordinate the treatment.
2. Pediatricians
Pediatricians are doctors who specialize in the health of newborns, children, and adolescents. Pediatricians have undergone medical training that is 100 percent focused on kids and the health problems specific to them. They have had training in the most complex aspects of pediatric medicine like genetics, developmental disorders, and congenital disabilities.
They also specialize in treating children with chronic illnesses and diseases. They are responsible for taking care of newborns and teaching parents how to take care of them. Pediatricians also counsel parents about all the possible risks and complications that come with having a baby. Therefore, they are often the ones you would approach for the vaccination for your child.
3. Internists
An internist is a medical doctor specializing in internal medicine. They are responsible for treating all the different problems concerning the organs inside the body and all the other health problems of the abdomen. If you suffer from heart problems, kidney problems, liver problems, skin problems, or respiratory problems, you should see an internist.
4. Obstetrician-Gynecologists
Obstetricians and gynecologists are the leading doctors in women’s health. They can treat vaginal infections and sexually transmitted diseases. They are also responsible for women’s health from the time they are teenagers up to menopause.
Internists are good options for both men and women. They are not just responsible for women’s reproductive health, but they also specialize in the diseases of other internal organs like the heart and the lungs.
5. Nurse Practitioners
Nurse practitioners, also known as APRNs, are highly-trained medical professionals specializing in treating patients of all ages. They have gone through rigorous education and training to become nurse practitioners. Nurse practitioners are qualified to perform comprehensive physical exams and diagnostics, treat minor illnesses, administer certain medications, order and interpret lab testing, order radiology images, and educate patients about health issues. A good practice is to always consult your primary care doctor for the most critical health issues. For tiny problems, such as trying to choose eyewear, you can always consult with a primary care doctor.
Conclusion
Primary care doctors are an ideal match for most people. They are responsible for taking care of even the most minor health problems. They make sure that their patients get treated properly and efficiently. So, for all the questions you have about your health, never hesitate to ask your primary care doctor.
Garden State Medical Group offers the standard family care services every patient might need. Our family doctors should help the patients recover from their usual fevers, coughs, and colds. Speak to the best general doctors in the country today by visiting us or booking an online appointment.