Primary care physicians (PCPs) are the first contact most people have in the health care system. PCPs establish long-term relationships with patients of all ages, treating them when they are sick and preventing both acute and chronic conditions to foster long-term health and well-being.
If you want to learn more about PCPs and their functions, learn more below.
What Does a Primary Care Physician Do?
PCPs have advanced training in many areas of medical care, including family medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics, geriatrics, and more. PCPs oversees a broad range of aspects of a patient’s health and well-being, including the prevention of conditions that impact quality and length of life.
Many PCPs are in private practice, while others may work in neighborhood clinics, hospitals, or medical centers. PCPsuse open communication with patients and their families in order to understand therapeutic needs and goals and also to establish trust as you partner together in attaining and maintaining optimal physical and mental health.
What Are The Functions of Primary Care Physicians?
PCPs Diagnose And Treat Acute Illnesses And Injuries
The primary role of PCPs is to treat most health problems that patients develop. If you have symptoms of influenza, pink eye, or a UTI, you can contact your PCP for an in-office review of your symptoms and testing, as needed. Your doctor can prescribe medications, at-home care strategies, and more to improve your health. If you have an injury, such as a laceration or burn, your PCP can treat that, as well, and follow up on your progress.
For more serious problems, such as heart disease or stroke, your PCP can coordinate your care and offer a referral to a specialist.
Primary Care Physicians Manage Chronic Conditions
If you have asthma, diabetes, thyroid disease, or another chronic health condition, your PCP can monitor your symptoms, medications, and therapies to help you live as well as possible. Your PCP will partner with you to track symptoms, prescribe medications, and make changes in diet, exercise, and more.
Patients with chronic health conditions who frequently see their PCP manage their health problems better than those who don’t. Your doctor will empower you to take control of your health, no matter what challenges you face on a daily basis.
Primary Care Physicians Deliver Preventive Care
Preventive healthcare works to keep diseases and conditions at bay through proactive testing and lifestyle changes. Common examples are cancer screenings, blood work to check on important health metrics, monitoring of vital signs, reflexes, and muscular strength, and other measures of health and well-being. A preventive care plan begins with an annual physical examination, and it continues with patient education regarding lifestyle factors, such as:
- Smoking cessation
- Good nutrition
- Exercise
- Weight control
- Stress reduction and help for other aspects of mental/emotional health
- Personal safety
To prevent illness from many contagious diseases, such as influenza, COVID-19, shingles, and more, your primary care physician will also update your vaccinations during your annual visit or as needed.
First Class Primary Care at EMU Health
At EMU Health, our team of 10 board-certified physicians works with excellent support professionals to make medical care services available to the Queens community. If you desire a warm, professional, and communicative relationship with your PCP, EMU Health should become your medical home.
Call us today to learn more at (718) 850-4368, or request a visit online. We look forward to seeing you soon.
