If the doctor also treats other members of the family, they may be able to help you get ahead of potential genetic issues, like obesity, heart disease, and high cholesterol.įor many people, having a doctor who is intimately aware of both your personal and family history can be helpful and comforting. They encourage healthy lifestyle changes for chronic problems. They are often the doctor you will see to treat minor problems, like bronchitis, and major problems, like high blood pressure.įamily doctors will often advocate for you. What do they do and whom do they treat?Ī family doctor is trained to care for a person from infancy to advanced age. In fact, a family doctor may care for every member of a family at all stages of their lives. Be sure to verify what your plan does and doesn’t cover with your doctor’s office or your insurance company before your visit.īelow we discuss two types of PCPs: family doctors and internists.Ī family doctor can care for practically anyone. Some PCPs offer services that won’t be covered by your insurance. Most insurance plans cover visits with a PCP.
Whether you’re battling the flu or showing signs of blood sugar problems, your PCP will likely be the first doctor you encounter in your treatment timeline.
#FAMILY DOCTOR VS GENERAL PRACTITIONER SERIES#
These specialists are responsible for your treatment, but your PCP oversees the entire series of events.
If your needs go beyond their scope, you may need to see a specialist or another doctor.Ī PCP can also help to coordinate medical treatments across many specialties.įor example, if you discover you have an infected gallbladder, your PCP may refer you to a gastroenterologist for a consultation and then to a surgeon to have the gallbladder removed. If a condition is beyond their scope, they may refer you to a specialist.įor many of your healthcare needs, you may only need to see a PCP. They are trained to treat people of all ages for a wide variety of medical issues, including disease prevention and maintenance. When you’re sick, either with a cold or something more serious, you may first visit your PCP. They treat a wide range of health issues and can help coordinate your medical treatment with various specialists. The term “primary care practitioner (PCP)” refers to any of the following types of medical professionals:
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