Primary care is an important component of maintaining your overall health. From physicals to flu shots, it includes a wide range of services – each focused on keeping you feeling your best.
Establishing care is simple, requiring just a bit of research to ensure you find the right fit. The medical professionals at NasonCare have provided the following tips to help you find the best primary care provider for you!
How to Choose the Right Primary Care Practice
Tip #1: Find out which primary care providers are “in-network.”
Most insurance companies negotiate with certain care providers and hospitals to provide discounted rates for their policyholders. That means patients pay less out of pocket for visits to “in-network” primary care physicians. Contact your insurer or check online to determine which doctors accept your insurance plan.
Tip #2: Seek referrals.
Ask trusted sources, like family and friends, for referrals when seeking a primary care practice. These people will be able to speak candidly about their experience and the care they received.
Tip #3: Pick a doctor with the right experience.
Continue narrowing down your list of potential primary care practices by identifying your needs.
- General practice: Medical staff is trained to treat patients of all ages.
- Family practice: Similar to general practices, family practice doctors treat patients of all ages – but often have physicians with extra training in certain areas like pediatrics and obstetrics.
- Internal medicine practice: Specialize in disease prevention and diagnosis, typically only treating adults.
Tip #4: Learn more about logistics.
Now is the time to dig a little deeper, inquiring about practical things like these:
- What is the typical wait time?
- How are test results delivered?
- Does the practice handle prescription refills?
- Can you schedule online?
- Are virtual visits available?
Tip #5: Schedule a visit to see if it’s a good match.
Establishing a trusted relationship with your physician is crucial. The only way to truly find out if they are a good fit is to schedule a visit! Take note of your experience from start to finish, including the ease of scheduling, time spent in the waiting room and interaction with the medical staff.
What Is Primary Care?
Primary care practices handle a wide variety of health concerns, often serving as the starting point for more specialized care. Patients who routinely visit their primary care provider enjoy the benefit of an established relationship, ensuring their doctor knows their medical/family history. This helps in prevention and the early detection of disease, as well as the treatment of everyday ailments. Your primary care provider can also provide a referral to a specialist if needed.
What Is A Primary Care Provider?
Healthcare.gov defines a primary care provider as “a physician (MD or DO), nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist or physician assistant, as allowed under state law, who provides, coordinates or helps a patient access a range of healthcare services.”
Common Medical Services With A Primary Care Practice
Primary care practices typically provide the following to patients of all ages:
- Sick visits
- Annual check-ups/wellness visits
- School/sports physicals
- Vaccines, including flu shots
- X-rays
- Lab work
- Testing (strep, flu, etc.)
- Preventative care
- And more!
Difference Between Internal Medicine vs. Family Medicine
The biggest differentiating factor is the type of patient treated. Internal medicine physicians serve adult patients, often focusing on the prevention and treatment of chronic issues. Family medicine physicians treat patients of all ages, including children.
Common Benefits of Seeking A Primary Care Practice
Regular visits offer several benefits, including the following:
BENEFIT #1: MEDICAL HISTORY ON FILE.
Once you are an established patient, the primary care practice will retain all your medical records. If a healthcare concern arises, your physician can take an in-depth look at your history, often resulting in a quicker diagnosis and more effective treatment.
BENEFIT #2: ESTABLISHED RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR DOCTOR.
It is important that you feel you can trust your physician and that you feel safe sharing any concerns. Regular visits help build this bond and lay the foundation for a lifetime of high-quality healthcare!
BENEFIT #3: OPPORTUNITY TO SET LONG-TERM HEALTH GOALS.
Your physician can help you create a long-term plan, whether you want to lose weight, manage symptoms or simply improve your overall wellness.
BENEFIT #4: ACCESS TO ANNUAL CHECK-UPS.
Yearly check-ups are a great time to check in. If anything has changed with your health in the last year, discuss it with your physician during your visit. Many insurance plans include annual visits, so be sure to check with yours.
What To Expect For My Primary Care Visit
Here’s what you can expect during your first primary care appointment:
- Provide medical history/background information
- Discuss family health history
- Get a general examine
- Mention any concerns, symptoms, etc.
- Set health and wellness goals
- Schedule a follow-up or specialist appointment if needed
When Should I Visit A Primary Care Practice Near Me?
The time to prioritize your health is now – starting with a visit to NasonCare! Our North Charleston primary care team is here to help, so come see us today!
There’s no referral needed, but to cut down on wait times, simply pre-register online or call to schedule an appointment. NasonCare is conveniently located near the Northwoods Mall, easily accessible to patients throughout the Charleston area.
Our highly-trained medical professionals are available to service you 7 days a week. And because we know that convenience is key, NasonCare is open from 8am to 8pm. Schedule a visit today!
