What kind of doctor provides primary care

Routine checkups with the same doctor can help identify health issues earlier, keeping you healthier, happier and saving you money on medical expenses. And if you need more specialized care for a health condition, a primary care doctor can expertly guide your next steps and connect you with the right specialist. All of these doctors are expertly trained to treat a broad range of health conditions.

But every type of primary care doctor has a different background and focus. Some treat patients of all ages, others specialize in the care of women, seniors or children. What is an internal medicine doctor, you ask? Internal medicine doctors are different from other primary care doctors because they only care for adults. These doctors, also called internists, are trained to treat both simple and complex conditions from early adulthood through old age.

They are well versed in conditions that can pop up in adulthood, like high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. Pediatricians specialize in caring for children, from birth through early adulthood.

Their area of focus overlaps with family medicine doctors — who also see children from babies to young adults. Pediatricians are also experienced in talking with children and helping them feel comfortable — a big plus if your child is shy or scared of going to the doctor. The unique benefit of family 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. They manage the care of an individual patient and a population of patients using an interprofessional, collaborative approach to health care.

The team should support enhanced communication and processes that empower all staff to effectively utilize the skills, training, and abilities of each team member to the full extent of their professional capacity. The AAFP recognizes the term "primary care" and that family physicians provide services commonly recognized as primary care.

However, the terms, "primary care" and "family medicine" are not interchangeable. Similarly, primary care departments do not replace the form or function of family medicine departments. Read More. Primary Care The following definitions relating to primary care should be taken together. Definition 1 - Primary Care Primary care is the provision of integrated, accessible health care services by physicians and their health care teams who are accountable for addressing a large majority of personal health care needs, developing a sustained partnership with patients, and practicing in the context of family and community.

Definition 2 - Primary Care Practice A primary care practice serves as the patient's entry point into the health care system and as the continuing focal point for all needed health care services.

Definition 3 - Primary Care Physician A primary care physician is a specialist in family medicine, general internal medicine or general pediatrics who provides definitive care to the undifferentiated patient at the point of first contact, and takes continuing responsibility for providing the patient's comprehensive care. Definition 4 - Non-Primary Care Physicians and Other Clinicians Delivering Primary Care Services Physicians without training in the primary care specialties of family medicine, general internal medicine, or general pediatrics may sometimes provide patient care services that primary care physicians usually deliver.

Use of Term The AAFP recognizes the term "primary care" and that family physicians provide services commonly recognized as primary care.

Primary Care Physician, Generic. Capitation, Primary Care. Team-Based Care. Long-Term Care. Physician Assistants. About AAFP. Board of Directors. Contact Us. Active Physician. Medical Student.

Join AAFP. My Account. The scope of their practice includes the care of adults of all ages for many different medical problems. They often serve as a PCP for women, particularly those of childbearing age.

Nurse practitioners NP and physician assistants PA : Practitioners who go through a different training and certification process than doctors. They may be your PCP in some practices. When choosing a PCP, also consider the following: Is the office staff friendly and helpful? Is the office good about returning calls? Are the office hours convenient to your schedule? How easy is it to reach the provider? Does the provider use email? Do you prefer a provider whose communication style is friendly and warm, or more formal?

Do you prefer a provider focused on disease treatment, or wellness and prevention? Does the provider have a conservative or aggressive approach to treatment? Does the provider order a lot of tests? Does the provider refer to other specialists frequently or infrequently? What do colleagues and patients say about the provider?

Does the provider invite you to be involved in your care? Does the provider view your patient-provider relationship as a true partnership? You can get referrals from: Friends, neighbors, or relatives State-level medical associations, nursing associations, and associations for physician assistants Your dentist, pharmacist, optometrist, previous provider, or other health professional Advocacy groups may be especially helpful to find the best provider for a specific chronic condition or disability Many health plans, such as HMOs or PPOs, have websites, directories, or customer service staff who can help you select a PCP who is right for you Another option is to request an appointment to "interview" a potential provider.

Alternative Names. Patient and doctor work together Types of health care providers. Health Topics A-Z Read more.