The primary care physician, or PCP, treats and manages a wide range of health problems. They also refer patients to specialists when necessary.
Doctors who specialize in internal medicine, or internists, can help people of all ages with chronic conditions. They are trained to monitor and treat disease, and provide guidance on prevention, counseling and lifestyle management.
Family doctors care for patients of all ages, providing services that range from pediatrician and internist services to obstetrics and gynecology. They complete medical school and a three-year residency.
They may work in an outpatient clinic, hospital, nursing home or even online. Their primary focus is to provide care that promotes wellness and helps prevent disease.
According to the University of Chicago, they provide about one-fourth of all primary care visits in the United States.
In addition to seeing patients of all ages, family physicians specialize in treating chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. They also manage mental health disorders and perform obstetrics and gynecology.
primary care physician sugar land in this specialty often have extensive specialized training and can handle complicated cases that require emergency medical care or surgery. They can serve as the only local source of healthcare in a small community or can coordinate comprehensive care for their patients across several specialties.
Unlike other medical specialties, family medicine has a unique emphasis on the entire patient, including each organ system and every disease entity. It is based on a comprehensive approach to care and emphasizes long-lasting relationships with patients and their families.
Family physicians are also a good choice for patients with Blue Cross and Blue Shield insurance plans, as they can take care of routine checkups and screenings that are covered by most plans. They can also refer you to specialists when necessary.
Many family practices have an onsite laboratory and diagnostic imaging facilities to help diagnose or rule out certain conditions. They can also offer preventive services, such as annual physicals and vaccinations.
A primary care doctor is the first point of contact for most people seeking health care, and it's important to find one you trust. Consider factors like office hours, office location and whether or not the doctor accepts your insurance plan.
If you're a healthy adult, you likely only need to see your family doctor once a year for a physical exam or "preventive visit." However, if you have a chronic condition or young children, you may need to be seen more frequently.
Internal medicine is one of the most in-demand specialties in the United States. As a primary care physician, you have the opportunity to help people from early adulthood through their senior years. You can also help them with their preventive health care needs, and you can help them manage chronic conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes.
Unlike many other medical specialties, internists are often the first doctor that patients see. As a result, they may be able to treat many issues ranging from an ear infection to a heart attack.
Most internists work a full-time, 40-hour work week and see 20 to 25 patients per day. They also work nights and weekends, as needed.
Internists often work in hospitals, but they may also work out of their medical office or a group practice. They work with other doctors to diagnose and treat patients, and they collaborate with other specialists on certain cases.
While most internists focus on general internal medicine, others have specialized training in particular areas. This can be done through a subspecialty fellowship, which requires an additional one to three years of training after completing a required three-year internship and residency.
The subspecialties of internal medicine vary, but they all share the same basic educational and clinical training. These include:
Family medicine, pediatrics and general surgery. Each specialty has its own path to becoming a primary care physician, but they all share the goal of treating patients of all ages.
Internal medicine physicians, also known as internists, are physicians trained to diagnose and treat adults from birth through old age. They are experts at balancing regular, routine primary care with complex conditions that can develop in adulthood.
They also specialize in helping people with high blood pressure and diabetes, and they are familiar with a range of other diseases that can affect the body. In addition, they can diagnose and treat common infectious illnesses and injuries that require immediate medical attention, like sore throats or ear infections.
Internal medicine is a career choice that can offer both high wages and flexibility. It is a rewarding field that requires a lot of dedication and hard work. But it is also one that can lead to a satisfying and fulfilling life, as you are able to help other people and see them progress through their healthcare journey.
Urgent care centers are a convenient, cost-effective option when you need medical treatment outside of regular hours or if your primary doctor's office is closed. They're typically staffed with doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and other healthcare professionals who treat acute conditions, such as cuts, bruises, burns, flu and cold symptoms, urinary tract infections, earaches, sore throats and skin problems. They often provide X-ray and laboratory services as well.
Many retail health clinics, also known as walk-in clinics, are located at large pharmacies and stores throughout the country and offer a similar range of services to urgent care centers. They are staffed by nurses, nurse practitioners and physicians' assistants who focus on simple conditions, such as a sore throat or a cold, and can perform X-rays and other diagnostic tests.
In contrast, emergency departments (EDs) are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and offer comprehensive medical care for patients who have life-threatening illnesses or injuries. They can treat emergencies, but most people with less serious illnesses or injuries will find it easier to see their primary care doctor for treatment instead of going to an ED.
Because most ERs are overcrowded, waiting times can be long. This can make it hard to find a doctor or receive the treatment you need. The emergence of urgent care centers has helped reduce reliance on hospital ERs for some minor illnesses and injuries.
Some of the most important things to remember when visiting an urgent care center are to check their wait time and to call ahead if possible. Sometimes, the center can schedule an appointment with you in advance and allow you to reserve a spot in the line to shorten your wait time.
It's also a good idea to bring your insurance card, if you have one, when you visit an urgent care facility. If you don't, you may have to pay out-of-pocket.
You can also call your Humana primary care physician and ask if they recommend using an urgent care center or the emergency room for certain medical conditions. Your primary care physician can help you choose the best option based on your needs and what your insurance plan covers.
Typically performed during school or summer break, sports physicals can provide peace of mind that your child is physically capable of participating in a sport. They’re also a good opportunity to talk to a medical professional about any health concerns your child may have that could make them unsafe for sports, such as hernias or uncontrolled asthma.
Your child’s provider will perform a general physical exam, which involves checking your child’s vitals, such as blood pressure and heart rate. They’ll also check for any growth spurts or changes in weight that can put added stress on joints and muscles.
After this, your provider will ask your child about any injuries or medical issues that might affect their participation in the sport, such as hernias, concussions, asthma, surgery, or medications. They’ll also ask about any family history of sports-related injuries, or conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.
A comprehensive sports physical often includes a neurological exam, which tests your child’s reflexes and motor function. This helps the doctor determine if they have any problems with their balance or coordination that could cause them to become injured while playing sports.
Another part of a sports physical is an evaluation of your child’s strength and endurance. If they’re a runner, the provider will pay close attention to their legs and ankles, while baseball players might have more concerns in their arms and shoulders.
Finally, your child’s provider will look at their overall health, including any family history of heart disease. In rare cases, children can develop a dangerous cardiac condition that goes undetected during regular physicals but can be triggered by strenuous activity.
The most important thing to remember is that a sports physical is a way to make sure your child is safe while playing their favorite sport. However, if your doctor finds that they aren’t healthy enough to play their chosen sport, they won’t stop them from participating – they’ll just recommend alternative activities or accommodations.
