Primary Care

Primary Care You Need

A primary care physician provides a wide range of integrated, accessible health care services, including addressing the majority of life's health concerns, developing a healthy relationship with patients, and practicing within the context of family and community.

The primary care physician is trained and skilled to provide comprehensive, first contact, and ongoing care for people with any undiagnosed signs, symptoms, or health concerns, regardless of the origin of the problem (biologic, behavioral, or social). Primary care includes promoting health, preventing disease, maintaining health, counseling, educating patients, diagnosing illness, and treating it in a variety of settings. The primary care provider collaborates with other healthcare professionals as needed and uses referrals as appropriate. A primary care physician provides patient advocacy in the health care system in order to ensure equitable and cost-effective health care. To encourage patients to be partners in their own health, primary care promotes effective communication with them and their families.