Primary care

(PRY-mayr-ee kayr) Health services that meet most basic health care needs over time.

Who is a primary care provider?

A primary care provider physician (M.D. – Medical Doctor or D.O. – Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine), nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist or physician assistant, as allowed under state law, who provides, coordinates or helps a patient access a range of health care services.

What type of physicians provide primary care?

1. Family practitioners
2. Pediatricians
3. Geriatricians
4. Internists
5. Obstetricians/gynecologists
6. Nurse practitioners (NP) and physician assistants (PA)

What types of services are provided by primary care physicians?

1. Primary care includes physical exams, treatment of common medical conditions, and preventive care such as immunizations and screenings.
2. Primary care doctors are usually the first health professionals patients see for basic medical care.
3. They may refer a patient to a specialist if needed.

What are the benefits of having a primary care provider?

• Primary care providers offer a usual source of care,
• early detection and treatment of disease,
• chronic disease management, and preventive care.

Do patients with a primary care provider get better care?

Yes. Patients with a usual source of care are more likely to receive recommended preventive services such as flu shots, blood pressure screenings, and cancer screenings

Are there disparities in primary healthcare?

Yes. Disparities in access to primary health care exist, and many people face barriers that decrease access to services and increase the risk of poor health outcomes. Some of these obstacles include:

1. lack of health insurance,
2. language-related barriers,
3. disabilities,
4. inability to take time off work to attend appointments,
5. geographic and transportation-related barriers, and
6. a shortage of primary care providers.
7. These barriers may intersect to further reduce access to primary care.

Is lack of health insurance a factor?

1. Lack of health insurance decreases the use of preventive and primary care services and is associated with poor health outcomes.
2. Individuals without health insurance may delay seeking care when they are ill or injured, and they are more likely to be hospitalized for chronic conditions such as diabetes or hypertension.
3. In addition, children without health insurance are less likely to get vaccinations, a routine primary care service.
4. Overall, having health insurance increases the use of health services and improves health outcomes.

How about language barriers in primary care?

Speaking a language other than English at home can negatively impact access to primary care and screening programs.

What factors contribute to reduced use of primary care?

1. People may experience reduced access to primary care due to limited provider office hours and availability.
2. Many primary care providers do not offer services during typical off-work hours, posing barriers to workers without sick leave benefits.
3. Factors such as travel distance and the supply of primary care providers can also limit people’s ability to get primary care.
4. Primary care is critical for improving population health and reducing health disparities.

How to find and compare primary care doctors?

Use the following website from Medicare called Care Compare that allows you to compare and find primary care or specialist providers

How do I impress a doctor?

• Be punctual for your appointment.
• Be transparent about your medical history and symptoms.
• Show a keen interest in your own health.
• Adhere to the doctor's advice and treatment recommendations.
• Pose well-informed questions.

What is included in primary care?

• Preventive services.
• Management of diseases.
• Promotion of health.
• Patient education.
• Diagnosis and treatment of both acute and chronic conditions.

Why is primary care so important?

• It serves as the first point of contact for healthcare.
• It emphasizes preventive healthcare.
• It offers effective management of chronic ailments.
• It reduces the dependency on specialist care.

Is a GP a primary care physician?

• Yes, a General Practitioner (GP) functions as a primary care physician.

What are the 4 types of diseases?

• Infectious diseases.
• Deficiency diseases.
• Genetic diseases.
• Lifestyle diseases.

What should I ask my primary doctor?

• Which screenings or tests are crucial for me?
• How can I adopt a healthier lifestyle?
• Are there alternative treatments available?
• What are the expected side effects of this treatment?

What are the top chronic diseases?

• Heart disease.
• Diabetes.
• Arthritis.
• Chronic respiratory diseases.

What are the most common diseases?

• The common cold.
• Influenza.
• Diabetes.
• Hypertension.

What are some questions doctors ask to patients?

• What is the primary concern today?
• How long have these symptoms persisted?
• Are you currently undergoing any medication?
• Any known allergies?

What are the challenges of primary health care?

• Resource constraints.
• Rising incidence of chronic conditions.
• Accessibility in rural areas.
• Patient adherence to treatment plans.

What are the four pillars in primary health care?

• Universal access and coverage.
• Reforms in service delivery.
• Leadership and governance.
• Public policy integration.

What is a primary care physician responsibilities?

• Diagnosing common health conditions.
• Delivering preventive care and health knowledge.
• Referring patients to specialized specialists when required.
• Synchronizing care among diverse healthcare providers.

What are the most common conditions in primary care?

• Hypertension.
• Diabetes.
• Asthma.
• Depression.

What are the daily activities of a primary care physician?

• Engaging in patient consultations.
• Diagnosing various health conditions.
• Recommending treatments or prescribing medications.
• Collaborating with fellow healthcare specialists.
• Staying abreast with the latest in medical research.

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