Primary care serves as the initial connection between patients and the health care system. It provides services for preventing and treating common illnesses and even medication management. Examples of primary care include visiting your AdventHealth Primary Care+ for annual physicals, taking your little ones to their pediatrician and seeing an OB/GYN for routine women’s health screenings.
As the name suggests, your “primary” care provider (PCP) should be the first person you turn to for non-emergency health concerns and preventive measures like annual exams, screenings, vaccinations and lifestyle recommendations.
Keep reading to learn five examples of primary care services you can access through AdventHealth Primary Care+.
What Are Primary Care Services?
Primary care services make up the foundation of health care, offering comprehensive, ongoing care for various health needs. PCPs focus on preventive care, health screenings, routine check-ups and treatment of common illnesses. Your PCP can also provide management of chronic diseases, refer you to a specialist and assist with family planning. At AdventHealth, our PCPs focus on more than just your care — they strive to build meaningful, patient-doctor relationships to support your overall health and well-being.
Primary care focuses on three main goals:
- Helping you prevent diseases
- Managing your condition for optimal outcomes
- Providing care if you show symptoms of a disease
There are several types of PCPs, including:
- Family medicine physicians: Treat all ages
- Geriatricians: Specialize in older adult care
- Internists: Treat various conditions impacting your internal body
- OB/GYNs: Offer women-focused care
- Pediatricians: Treat children and adolescents
Although there are differences in the treatment ages and services provided, all PCPs provide comprehensive, continuous care for you and your family, supporting you in body, mind and spirit.
5 Examples of Primary Care Services
Your PCP is the first person you turn to for health care issues, preventive measures and disease management. Here are five examples of primary care services that your PCP may perform to keep you feeling whole.
Routine Check-ups and Preventive Care
Routine annual check-ups are a foundational piece of preventive care, making it one of the most common examples of primary care. Preventive care plays an important role in identifying potential health concerns before they become serious. Your doctor can keep a pulse on your health with help from your annual wellness visit. Every type of PCP can provide yearly check-ups, which include:
- Checking your vitals
- Health screenings as needed
- Height and weight measurements
- Physical examinations
- Recommendations for potential health concerns
- Review of past and current health
- Vaccinations as needed
If you don’t have a PCP, we encourage you to take that next step so you can own your health.
Management of Chronic Conditions
If you or a loved one is diagnosed with a chronic health condition like diabetes, arthritis or high cholesterol, you may require chronic disease management services from a PCP. They may prescribe medications, order blood work and imaging tests, provide lifestyle recommendations and require regular follow-ups. They aim to meet you where you are and guide you on your health care journey.
Treatment of Common Illnesses and Injuries
The common cold, flu, strep throat and sinus infections are likely something we’ve all experienced. Whether you or a loved one experiences these common illnesses, your PCP will provide you with the medical care you need. Our dedicated PCPs offer you the comprehensive, whole-person care you deserve to return to your normal routines. It’s important not to ignore the treatment of common illnesses and injuries, even if they seem minor.
Care Coordination With Specialists
PCPs are also known as generalists, which means they can treat a wide range of conditions. However, certain illnesses or injuries may require a specialist — a doctor who focuses on a specific health area.
For example, if you or a loved one is experiencing heart health concerns, your PCP will refer you to a cardiologist to gain access to specialized care. It’s important to remember that your PCP is still involved in your health care even if you were referred to a specialist. These doctors will work in tandem, providing you with the best care possible.
Family Health Services
Your family health physician provides health care for every member of your family at every age. This includes:
- Geriatricians who provide care as you age
- OB/GYNs who provide care for all areas of women’s reproductive health
- Pediatricians providing care to your little ones
We aim to make getting health care for the whole family as simple as possible.
Why These Services Matter
We know health care can bring mixed feelings to many people. However, keeping a pulse on your health can make a lifetime of difference for you and your family. Preventive care is designed to catch illnesses and injuries early on before they develop into serious conditions. It’s also important to note that most health insurances cover these preventive care services, reducing the financial burden. PCPs ensure everyone in your family, young and old, receives the care they need to live life as it should be.
Your Health Companions
At AdventHealth, we seek to care for all of you — body, mind and spirit. Schedule an appointment with your AdventHealth Primary Care+ doctor, or find a PCP near you. Our expert PCPs are ready to provide you and your family with the comprehensive health care you need to feel whole for a lifetime.
