A primary care doctor delivers a wide range of care — maybe even more than you realize. You should feel like you can talk with your doctor about anything. And understanding all that your doctor provides can help you get the most out of your visits. Here's what you might want to know about primary care:
What is a primary care doctor?
Your primary care doctor is the first point of care for common illnesses and health issues. Doctors with Ascension Medical Group care for the whole person and every visit starts with a conversation. Bring your list of concerns and questions that are on your mind. A pain bothering you, a worry that won't go away, stress or strains — we're always here. Doctors with Ascension Medical Group will listen to understand you and your health concerns to deliver care that's right for you.
You don't need to worry about spending time finding the right doctor, you can see anyone anytime. And with flexible appointment times, we make seeing a doctor easy and convenient. We can also talk about what doctors with Ascension Medical Group could be the right fit for your care needs. And we connect you to additional care including specialists, advanced practitioners and other medical services, such as imaging, labs and prescription services as needed. These doctors start by having a conversation with you to understand your full health picture.
Start a conversation with a doctor for:
- Annual wellness visits and physicals
- Care for minor illness and injury
- Routine screenings
- Check-ups and sports physicals
- Care for chronic conditions
- Medication management
- Mental and emotional health care
- Preventive care
- Senior care
- Vaccinations
- Well-women exams
Are there different types of primary care doctors?
You'll discover that doctors with Ascension Medical Group have expertise in several areas of care, including: family medicine, internal medicine, pediatric primary care, and obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN). This means you and your family can always get the right treatment options and other healthcare services, whatever your unique needs are.
What are the benefits of seeing a doctor?
Doctors with Ascension Medical Group put you first by fully understanding your care needs and help make it easier to get all the care you need. A doctor can help you stay healthy by providing preventive care, finding health concerns early, managing chronic conditions and connecting you with specialty care and other services like imaging and lab. They take time to understand your situation and coordinate the right care for your needs. With same-day, next-day and virtual appointments, getting the care you need is easy and convenient.
When and how often should I see a doctor?
Talk with a doctor about anything — any questions, big or small. And whether it's for preventive care, a chronic condition, a new health concern, or your annual physical, primary care doctors with Ascension Medical Group are here to listen and deliver personalized care when you need it. For ongoing care, your doctor will work with you on a care plan and how often you should have appointments.
Do you have to see a primary care doctor to be referred to a specialist?
A referral may not always be needed, but doctors with Ascension Medical Group can help coordinate your care and connect you with our large network of specialists and other services such as lab, imaging and pharmacy to help make sure you get the right care for your health needs.
Can a primary care doctor help with mental and emotional health concerns?
Primary care doctors care for the whole person, including mental and emotional health. We're here to listen and offer compassionate care and support. Regularly seeing a primary care doctor for care, including discussing emotional health concerns, can be beneficial to overall health and well-being.
Is virtual care an option for my appointments?
Virtual or telehealth visits may be appropriate for some primary care appointments so that you get the care you need without leaving home. Contact your doctor's office to find out whether a virtual or telehealth visit is an option for your care.
What is the difference between a family medicine doctor and a pediatrician?
Family medicine doctors provide ongoing care for adults and children, and offer a full range of medical services for your whole family. Whereas pediatricians provide specialized care for only infants, children and adolescents.
Is an internist a primary care doctor?
An internist, or internal medicine doctor, is a primary care doctor that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of adult health issues and conditions.