Choosing a Primary Care Physician

Fort HealthCare

August 3, 2017

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Primary Care

Primary Care is a key to good health

We may start to ask ourselves, "Could I be feeling better? Should I be taking proactive steps in bettering my personal health?" Choosing your medical provider can be a very personal choice that has long-lasting implications for you and your family members.

Fort HealthCare encourages you to get to know our providers and enjoy two-way communication and a proactive relationship with the one(s) that you choose. Having a regular primary care physician (PCP) can improve your health and your medical care experience. You're likely to see this doctor first when you need a checkup or have minor symptoms or complaints.  However, he or she does more than ease your sniffles and take your blood pressure.

PCP's responsibility is to:

• Help you make healthcare decisions
• Keep track of your medical records and health history
• Manage chronic conditions
• Provide preventive care
• Refer you when you need a specialist
• Treat minor problems before they become more serious

In addition, studies have shown that patients who see the same PCP regularly experience a stronger doctor-patient relationship, higher satisfaction with their healthcare, lower costs and more coordinated care.  If you do happen to need a specialist for certain conditions, you should still have a PCP for your general healthcare needs.

There are several different types of PCP's to choose from.  The following types of doctors have completed a residency in their specialty and are board certified or board eligible for their specialty:

• Family Practitioners - Care for children and adults of all ages and may include obstetrics and minor surgery
• Pediatricians - Care for newborns, infants, children and adolescents
• Internists or Internal Medicine Physicians - Care for adults of all ages for many different medical problems
• Obstetricians/Gynecologists - Often serve as PCP's for women, particularly those of childbearing age. Specialty OB/GYN care can also be coordinated with a PCP or family doctor
• Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants - These Clinicians go through a different training and certification process than doctors; they may be your key contact in some practices

Need a Doctor?

Visit FortHealthCare.com/FindADoctor to start your search for a Primary Care Physician by city or specialty.