What Is a Primary Care Provider?

Your primary care provider is meant to be your trusted source for preventive medical care over the course of your life. Consistent health care with the same primary care provider is linked to better long-term health outcomes. But what is a primary care provider and what should you expect from your primary care provider?

Definition of a Primary Care Provider

It’s important to note that “primary care” is a term used to encompass a range of specialties. A primary care provider isn’t just a doctor– the term refers to an entire range of medical professionals who provide care and monitor your health over time. Physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants can all serve as primary care providers and each plays an important role in your care.

The Role of Primary Care Providers: Managing Your Health and Wellness

Your primary care provider is your “home base” for health and wellness. Over time, you’ll cultivate a relationship with your primary care provider based on communication and transparency about your health. This allows your care team to discuss and diagnose issues and concerns more effectively – even if you don’t land an appointment with the same doctor every visit.

Your primary care team has several jobs, all of which share one main goal: keeping you as healthy as possible for as long as possible. This is different from acute (short-term) medical care, which addresses the type of care you’d receive at an urgent care clinic, like wound infections and minor illnesses.

Some aspects of comprehensive primary care services include:

• Conducting health screening services
• Coordinating care
• Managing medications
• Offering nutrition counseling services
• Offering preventive health advice
• Overseeing childhood growth and development
• Providing annual wellness exam services
• Providing chronic disease management services
• Sending referrals to specialists
• Treating acute illness

4 Benefits of a Primary Care Network

Having a reliable primary care network can improve your health in the long run. Visiting the same health care group makes sharing health updates and testing much easier. Here are some of the benefits of having a primary care provider:

1. Continuity of Care

Continuity of care refers to the consistent assistance you receive from primary care providers. Professionals who know your medical history and give long-term care are better equipped to monitor and treat your health problems. Plus, you won’t have to start from scratch as a new patient every time you walk into a different office – your medical information is securely shared within the primary care network. Continuous care may help you more easily avoid hospitalizations, medical emergencies and acute sickness.

2. Preventive Health Measures

Primary care is preventive care – and preventive care is all about stopping illness before it starts. This isn’t always possible, but it’s more likely when you have a primary care provider. Learn more about primary care.

For example, many chronic diseases like heart disease and Type 2 diabetes are preventable with lifestyle choices. Your primary care provider can advise you on nutritious diets, exercise and other habits that can help prevent these diseases. They can monitor the habits you currently have and work with you to build a healthier lifestyle.

By getting ahead of these illnesses, your primary care provider can protect your long-term health and wellness.

3. Chronic Condition Management

Chronic illness is common in the United States, with approximately half of the population having at least one chronic disease. Your primary care provider can help you manage your symptoms and long-term health goals.

Primary care providers can put together a personalized management or treatment plan to help improve your quality of life and help you feel your best. Depending on your disease, it may include education, rehabilitation or medication management. They may also refer you to specialists for additional disease management.

4. Long-Term Doctor-Patient Relationships

Having a primary care professional who you trust goes a long way toward protecting your health. When you have a strong doctor-patient relationship, you feel more comfortable bringing up sensitive health issues.

You can also be honest with your doctor without fear of judgment or discrimination. Long-term relationships with primary care providers result in better outcomes and higher-quality patient care. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to your doctor, it’s time to find a new one. Check out our guide on how to find a primary care doctor near you.

Your Primary Care Provider Network

What is a primary care provider network? It’s your chosen health care group, like AdventHealth! A primary care provider network can consist of dozens of health professionals who are on your side. They work together to coordinate the best treatments, lifestyle changes and health education for your benefit. Here are some of the medical professionals you will likely come across in your primary care facility.

Primary Care Doctors

Each type of primary care doctor has a different scope of practice. Here are the most common types of primary care doctors:

• Family medicine practitioner
• Internist
• Pediatrician
• Geriatrician

Family Medicine Practitioner

Family doctors have a broader scope of practice than many other physicians do. These physicians are qualified to treat almost any health problem for patients of all ages and can provide care for your entire family.

Your family doctor serves as your first point of contact in the health care system. If you’re having a problem, you can consult them first.

Internist

Internal medicine doctors focus on adult patients. They have extensive knowledge and training in internal health issues that involve your organs and other body systems.

An internal medicine doctor is ideal for managing complex health conditions that affect several parts of your body at once. If you have multiple health problems, an internal medicine physician can help you manage your symptoms and overlapping treatments.

Pediatricians

Pediatricians and pediatric care professionals specialize in children’s health. From birth to age 18 or 21, pediatricians monitor your child’s growth and development. They evaluate newborns and infants to ensure they’re meeting key milestones. They can also address risk factors for health problems as your child grows.

Regular pediatric care is essential for keeping up with your child’s health. Pediatricians can recognize signs of future health problems, reduce the risk of infant mortality and prevent illnesses.

Geriatricians

As you age, your health needs change and you’re at a higher risk for chronic diseases. Geriatricians specialize in treating older adults in their senior years. They can address age-related health issues, mobility problems and other health factors that are unique to the later stages of life.

Advanced Practice Providers

Advanced practice providers have some of the same duties as physicians. The two common types of advanced practice providers are nurse practitioners and physician assistants.

Nurse Practitioners

Nurse practitioners are graduate-level nurses who have advanced clinical training and education. They provide preventive and acute health care, similar to physicians. Nurse practitioners can be a primary care provider for patients of all ages.

Some duties a nurse practitioner can perform include:

• Diagnosing diseases
• Interpreting lab test results
• Offering preventive health advice
• Prescribing medications
• Referring you to specialists
• Reviewing medical imaging

Nurse practitioners often specialize in certain areas of medicine. They can even serve as your first point of contact in the health care system.

Physician Assistants

Physician assistants work alongside a physician. Physician assistants can make independent decisions about a patient’s care and provide comprehensive treatments. They assist in surgeries, prescribe medications and diagnose and treat diseases. Because of their wide practice scope, they can be primary care providers, too.

Resident Doctors

Resident doctors are physicians-in-training. They’ve graduated from medical school and are completing specialized training in a specific field to gain experience and further education. Residents are supervised by experienced physicians and can be an integral part of your primary care team.

Residents stay updated on the latest medical research and are fresh out of school. This means they can provide unique perspectives and offer high-quality care.

Clinical Pharmacists

Clinical pharmacists work closely with physicians and other primary care providers to manage your medications. They collaborate to find the prescriptions that ensure positive health outcomes.

Clinical pharmacists also educate you about your medications and help you adhere to your regimen so you can get effective results. Clinical pharmacists on your care team optimize your pharmaceutical treatments to improve your quality of life.

Social Workers

Your social environment contributes to your overall health. Social workers help you find and access resources to take care of your emotional, social, family and financial health. They can advocate for you to other members of your treatment team when necessary.

Dietitians

Registered dietitians are knowledgeable on the connections between nutrition and health. They can help you by offering nutrition counseling, dietary planning and sustainable lifestyle changes.

If your diet is negatively affecting your health, they can assist you in shifting your nutrition habits to improve your well-being. Dietitians can also offer advice on medically restricted diets like pre- and post-surgery meal plans.

Behavioral Health Specialists

Behavioral health professionals work to get you the mental health support you need by offering resources, counseling and additional services. They coordinate your mental health care with other aspects of your primary care, including medication management.

The Full Primary Care Provider Network

What is a primary care provider if not an essential part of your health care? A holistic and coordinated approach is important for providing high-quality patient care. You’re most protected and supported when you have a comprehensive primary care team to address all aspects of your health and wellness.

This integration is key to accessing the specialists, medications and mental health resources you need to thrive. If you have a medical need that one provider can’t meet, they can refer you to other primary care team members.

Find a Primary Care Provider at AdventHealth Primary Care+

Having a primary care provider who you trust and go to for preventive and acute care can improve your and your family’s long-term health. Our experts at AdventHealth Primary Care+ are here for your whole health. Schedule an appointment to find a primary care provider to meet your needs today.