HEAL TH “P


CP” is a commonly used acronym or abbreviation to describe your primary


healthcare provider. This is usually a physician, but can also be a nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant who works under the direction of a physician. Primary care providers offer compre- hensive medical care for you and your family including: • Treatment of acute conditions, such as respiratory infections, urinary tract infections or influenza.


• Management of chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart conditions or arthritis.


• Development of a comprehensive and appropriate disease prevention plan.


• Prescribe and coordinate diagnostic imaging tests.


• Referrals to other specialists, when needed.


• Coordination of care with a hospital if you ever require a hospital stay.


• Coordinate home care or long term care for you or a family member.


• Using the electronic medical record system, primary care providers also serve as a comprehensive repository for your patient records (through the electronic medical record system).


To help you determine what type of doctor may be right for you, here is helpful information about several types of primary care providers:


Internal Medicine & Family Medicine Physicians


Both Internal Medicine and Family Medicine physicians serve as primary care providers. Each specialty requires four years of medical school followed by a three year residency. Both Internal Medicine and Family Medicine physicians can treat a variety of illnesses and condi- tions, conduct health screenings and comprehensive physical exams, provide primary, wellness and preventative healthcare. They can be your partner in monitoring and managing long- term illnesses and conditions including diabetes and high cholesterol. If they diagnose a condition requiring referral to another specialist, they can coordinate that care with the specialty physician.


The House & Home Magazine 81


Obstetricians/ Gynecologists


While Obstetricians and Gynecologists (OB/GYNs) are experts in the female reproductive system, some women use their OB/GYN as their primary care provider. OB/GYNs are physicians trained to care for women during pregnancy and childbirth, as well as manage any disorders of the female reproductive system. Like Internal Medicine and Family Medicine physicians, OB/GYNs attend four years of medical school, followed by a three year residency.


Pediatricians


Pediatricians are physicians trained to care for newborns, infants, children and adolescents. They also attend four years of medical school followed by three years of residency training. They provide preventive care for healthy children and treat children who are injured or ill. They specialize in childhood diseases, growth and emotional health.


Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants


Many primary care physicians also use “midlevel” care providers to help take


care of their patients. “Midlevel” is a term used to describe Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants who are trained to manage patient care under the supervision of a physician. They are licensed to provide care, as well as to order diagnostic tests or prescribe many medications.


A Nurse Practitioner has completed


a registered nursing degree program as part of a bachelor’s degree. In addition, they have a master’s degree from an accredited nurse practitioner program. Physician Assistants also have a bachelor’s degree and then complete a master’s level degree in a physician’s assistant program.


Selecting Your Doctor


When you have narrowed the list of potential primary care providers, you may want to contact the provider’s office and ask questions including:


• Will they accept your insurance? Will they handle health insurance paperwork for you?


• What are the office hours? Make sure office hours are convenient and there is a plan for after hours care.


• Does the practice use an electronic medical record system? Electronic


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