TEAM UP WITH A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Primary care is a key to good health.
Choosing your medical provider is a personal choice that can have long-lasting implications. It’s like choosing to spend time with a trusted friend and advisor. Fort HealthCare encourages you to get to know your providers and enjoy two-way communication and a proactive relationship with the one(s) that you choose.
You’re likely to see a primary care physician (PCP) 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. A PCP’s responsibility is to:
- Help you make health care decisions
- Treat minor problems before they become more serious
- Provide preventive care to help keep you well
- Refer you when you need to see a specialist
- Manage chronic conditions
- Keep track of your medical records and health history
Tips for choosing a primary care provider.
You can choose from several different types of PCPs:
- Family practitioners: Care for children and adults of all ages; may include obstetrics and minor surgery.
- Pediatricians: Care of newborns, infants, children, and adolescents.
- Internists or Internal Medicine physicians: Care for adults of all ages for many different medical problems.
- Obstetricians/gynecologists: OB/GYNs often serve as a PCP for women, particularly those of childbearing age Specialty OB/GYN care can also be coordinated with a PCP or family doctor.
- Nurse practitioners (NP) and physician assistants (PA): Practitioners who go through a different training and certification process than doctors; they may be your key contact in some practices.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Find A Doctor
Tips for preparing for your doctor visit
Fort HealthCare Services
Participating Insurances