What to Consider When Choosing a Primary Care Physician?

A primary care physician will help you maintain and improve your health over the long term and will be your first point of contact in non-emergency situations. They will provide you with the medical insight and knowledge to bolster your health and will coordinate your care with other healthcare practitioners and specialists that you may be required to see.
 
In addition to this, your primary care physician will also keep track of your medical history, proactively test and screen you for different conditions, provide vaccinations, offer to counsel, and diagnose and treat your illnesses/ailments/injuries.
 
A PCP will help to protect your health by keeping you well-informed, educated, and healthy. They make certain you have a comprehensive understanding of your current health and what can be done to maintain or improve it.

Your PCP will run routine medical examinations during your visit to ensure your physical and mental health are where they need to be. This will include weight and height measurements, a blood pressure check, cancer screenings, and blood tests, the results will be added to your medical record for future viewing.
 
Outside of these routine procedures, it’s important that you’re upfront with your PCP about any ailments that you’re experiencing so they can be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.
 
Your primary care physician will recommend any lifestyle, medical, or therapy changes that should be made to maintain or better your health.

When you’re choosing a primary care provider, you’re picking the healthcare professional that will help you manage your day-to-day health for the long term. They serve as your primary point of contact when a medical problem arises, including pain, infections, chronic conditions, medication changes, and mental health concerns.  A PCP will be your first call in non-emergency situations and will be responsible for providing you with personalized care and support as you move through your healthcare journey.
 
They’re also the central point of contact for coordinating your medical care amongst other healthcare professionals and specialists. 

Also referred to as a PCP or a primary care provider, a primary care physician is a healthcare professional that is skilled and knowledgeable in practicing general medicine. Primary care physicians are often doctors. However, it’s important to note that nurse practitioners and physician assistants can also carry this title. In contrast, a doctor will always carry board certification for their title as well as the title of MD (medical doctor).
 
A primary care physician will not only help you to navigate current medical issues, but they’ll also help you prevent others from developing. Even when you’re feeling okay, booking in for annual visits with your PCP is a good habit to get into. Routine checkups are an important part of preventative care, providing valuable insight into your health and how to maintain it.
 
At Internal Medicine & Family Practice, we’re committed to helping you get back on the road to health by providing the highest level of care. Reach out today for more information or book in for an appointment online. Let us walk with you as you navigate your healthcare journey.  We are conveniently located at 1719 Glenwood Ave Joliet, IL 60435. We serve patients from Joliet IL, Manhattan IL, Channahon IL, Bolingbrook IL, Naperville IL, Lockport IL, Romeoville IL & Plainfield ILL.