Primary health care providers offer prevention and treatments for several diseases at an affordable price. They also ensure that people receive continuous, quality health care services at any time. Harbor Community Health Centers offers primary care practice in San Pedro to safeguard your general health and wellness.
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What should you know about primary care?
Primary care is the initial, essential, and integrated form of health care that involves diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and counseling. A primary caregiver is the first person a patient comes into contact with when scheduling a medical exam or being sick. Primary care providers have the required skills to offer general health services such as managing chronic conditions and treating acute diseases.
Additionally, a primary caregiver provides preventive care services like immunizations, lab tests, health screenings, and physical exams. These health care providers can also refer you to a specialist for in-depth evaluations for specific health disorders if necessary. Your primary caregiver plays a vital role in ensuring your general health and wellness.
What are the different categories of primary care providers?
Primary care providers are categorized into several categories, each unique skill. They include:
- Family physicians
Family health care providers are trained to diagnose, treat and prevent health conditions among people of all ages. They may offer services ranging from immunizations to minor surgeries.
- Pediatricians
These doctors are skilled in treating children, teenagers, and babies. In most cases, you may not be able to know if your child is healthy or not until they start displaying symptoms of sickness. Pediatricians are skilled in children’s emotional, social, and physical development, making them an indispensable asset in your child’s life.
- Nurse practitioners
Nurse practitioners refer to clinical nurses experienced in preventing, diagnosing, and treating a wide range of medical conditions. They can create treatment plans, help manage chronic conditions and prescribe medications.
- Physician assistants
Physician assistants are medical professionals with skills in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of a wide variety of health conditions. These professionals can offer the same services as doctors, but they cannot work independently. They may require a doctor to prescribe or sign off medications.
How often should you see your primary caregiver?
The specialists at Harbor Community Health Centers recommend scheduled annual visits to your primary care provider if you are on medication for a specific chronic condition to monitor the progression of your health. It is also wise to visit your caregiver in case of an injury or illness that requires medical expertise.
If you also suspect that you have a specific underlying disorder, you can schedule an appointment for a thorough physical evaluation. It may be wise to prepare all your concerns and queries about your health before your work. This prevents you from making several follow-up appointments for forgotten concerns. It also helps to have a family member or close friend for comfort or support when attending your appointments.
Call the Harbor Community Health Centers or book an appointment online today for more information about primary health care.
