Primary Care Doctors.

A primary care doctor is the person you can rely on to help you manage your health. They can help you with preventive care, like your routine physicals, screenings and immunizations, and also diagnose and manage many common chronic conditions like hypertension or type 2 diabetes. They’re also there when an illness or injury interrupts your day.

Common services include:

Regular physical exams

Prescribing medications

Treating minor illnesses and injuries

Managing chronic conditions

Screenings for common health problems

Primary care doctors, physician assistants and nurse practitioners are unique because they’re trained experts in treating a broad range of health conditions. Many also have specialized expertise in a certain area, like diabetes or geriatrics. Should you need specialized care, your primary care doctor can expertly guide your next steps, connecting you to the right specialist.

What kind of primary care doctor do I need?

There are five main types of primary care doctors. Each has a different background and focus, but all can provide you with the regular preventive health care you need, and can help with the management of some chronic conditions. Here’s a quick breakdown of the five types of primary care doctors, and why you might consider each type for your own care.

Family medicine doctors

The unique benefit of family medicine doctors is that they care for your whole family. They see babies, children, parents and grandparents. No matter who in your family is sick, you have one person to call who knows your family history and can provide highly personalized care.

Pediatricians

Pediatricians specialize in caring for children, from birth through early adulthood. They’re trained to treat minor illnesses and injuries, along with more complex conditions.

Pediatricians are experts at understanding developmental milestones and keeping children on track toward a healthy future.

OB-GYNs

OB-GYN (obstetrics and gynecology) doctors are experts in women’s health. They provide routine women’s health services and screenings, and can practice within a primary care clinic or a specialty office.

OB-GYNs assist with family planning and can help you choose from available birth control options. They also care for you during milestones like pregnancy and menopause.