Primary care includes general medical care, family care, obstetrics and gynecology, and internal medicine. Family care physicians are most commonly chosen as primary care providers, while OB/GYN and internal medicine can also be considered primary care. Nurse practitioners and physician assistants can also provide primary care under the supervision of a doctor.
Primary care is a type of health care that is used to provide regular care and disease prevention. Healthcare providers cover a wide range of healthcare services dealing with general medical care. Family care, obstetrics and gynecology, and internal medicine are the three general types of this form of health care. The first contact between a patient and a medical professional is primarily through a general practitioner (PCP). While a PCP is usually a physician who focuses on the general health care field, a PCP can also be a physician who has an area of expertise, such as an obstetrician or gynecologist. Internal medicine and nurse practitioners can also be considered PCPs. Every type of medical professional is licensed to practice medicine.
Family practice physicians are trained and licensed to practice primary care for all patients, regardless of age. PCPs in family care are most commonly chosen. These doctors have the ability to deal with a wide variety of problems. Family PCPs can diagnose and treat injuries and illnesses that do not require specialist care. Furthermore, family doctors are also concerned with general well-being and the maintenance of good health. These doctors are tasked with helping patients stay healthy and recover quickly from illness.
Obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) can be considered both special care and primary care. Women use these doctors to look after reproductive health. These doctors specialize in this particular area of medicine, but are also trained in general practice areas. Many women under the regular care of a gynecologist also choose to use these medical professionals as their PCP. This can be especially helpful because there are many potential diseases that also affect reproductive health.
Internal medicine, similar to obstetrics and gynecology, focuses on a special area of medicine, but can also be considered a type of primary care. Internal medicine physicians are trained in the same areas of health as family care physicians. The difference is that internal medicine focuses primarily on adult disease and health.
Nurse practitioners and physician assistants can be found in many of the different types of primary care. They operate in the same capacity as doctors, but are supervised by the doctors they work for. These two types of medical professionals are educated in general health and any specialty areas they may choose to practice in.
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