What Does “Primary Care” Mean? What Are the Different Types of Primary Care Physicians?
When you’ve suffered any type of injury or are experiencing any type of health issues, your first step is typically to schedule an appointment with your primary care physician (PCP). Statistics show that nearly one in three Americans (about 100 million people) don’t have a primary care doctor. If you’ve determined that you need one, you may have a lot of questions. Will you get the same services from every primary care physician? What criteria should you use when looking for a PCP?
What Is a Primary Care Physician?
Your primary care physician is typically your first point of contact with the healthcare system. Your PCP often makes an initial diagnosis or refers you to a specialist, if necessary. Your primary care physician may schedule you for regular visits or may see you only when you are experiencing abnormal medical conditions. They typically offer a wide range of basic diagnostic procedures, from X-rays to blood tests to blood pressure screening.
What Are the Different Types of Primary Care Physicians?
When seeking initial treatment of a non-emergency injury or illness, you commonly have four different options:
- A medical doctor, or M.D.—A medical doctor is a graduate of an accredited medical school who has also completed three years in a residency program. Often referred to alternatively as an internal medicine doctor, or internist, a medical doctor commonly provides wellness and preventative care, treatment of acute and chronic conditions, and exams and screenings.
- A doctor of osteopathic medicine, or D.O.—An osteopath must also graduate from a four-year medical program (in osteopathic medicine) and complete a residency. A fully-licensed physician, a D.O. tends to focus on the body’s ability to self-heal, and may also offer OMT, or osteopathic manipulative treatment. Osteopaths can diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions, can prescribe medications, conduct surgical procedures, and refer patients to specialists.
- A nurse practitioner, or NP—A nurse practitioner has at least a master’s degree in nursing (a doctorate in some states) and additional specialized medical training. NPs practice independently and can prescribe medications, order diagnostic tests, perform physical exams, put together treatment regimens, and make referrals to specialists.
- A physician assistant or PA—A PA typically works in conjunction with a doctor, though in an independent role. A physician’s assistant has a master’s degree from an accredited university program. PAs can generally prescribe medications, diagnose injury or illness, and perform physical exams.
What Factors Should You Consider When Seeking a Primary Care Physician?
When choosing a PCP, you want to know:
- Are they in your insurance network?—If not, you will pay a lot more for their services.
- Do they have the necessary training to diagnose and treat your medical condition?
- Will they be able to see you when you need them?—If you work days and cannot get time off for a medical appointment, you don’t want to work with a practice that is only open during normal business hours. Also, in many cases, you might be able to get in more quickly to see an NP or PA.
- Are they conveniently located and easily accessible?
