01 Preparing for Care • 3 Min Read
Primary care is often the first place to start for routine and non-emergency healthcare needs.
Your primary care provider, or PCP, helps you manage your health over time and decide what care you may need next.
Primary care focuses on your overall health rather than one specific body system or medical condition.
Your primary care team can help with:
Over time, your PCP may become familiar with your medical history, medications, health goals, and ongoing concerns.
For many non-emergency concerns, your PCP is a good place to begin.
Regular visits may include:
Primary care can evaluate many everyday concerns, including:
Conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, and high cholesterol often require ongoing follow-up.
Regular visits help your care team:
Mental health is also part of primary care.
You can talk with your PCP about:
Your provider may offer treatment or connect you with additional mental health services.
For severe or life-threatening symptoms, such as suspected stroke, severe chest pain, severe trouble breathing, or loss of consciousness, call 911. Do not wait for a routine primary care appointment.
Some symptoms are not emergencies but still need prompt evaluation, such as a high fever that won't go down or symptoms that are getting worse. Call your primary care office for advice, or use urgent care when your office isn't available.
Possible heart attack warning signs include chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to the arm, jaw, or back, shortness of breath, cold sweats, or nausea. Possible stroke warning signs include sudden face drooping, arm or leg weakness, or trouble speaking. Call 911 right away.
A video or phone visit may be helpful for follow-up visits, medication questions, reviewing test results, and some minor concerns.
Some concerns require an in-person examination, testing, or emergency evaluation. Your primary care office can help you decide which type of visit fits your concern.
Primary care may be provided by different types of healthcare professionals. Their services and scope depend on their role, state rules, and care setting.
Family medicine providers care for people across many age groups, often including children and adults.
Internal medicine providers, often called internists, focus on adult healthcare, including ongoing conditions.
Nurse practitioners and physician assistants or associates may provide primary care within their scope of practice. Available services vary.
Pediatricians care for babies, children, and teenagers, including their growth, development, and health concerns.
Your PCP can help you decide whether a concern needs specialty care.
Your provider evaluates your concern and discusses possible next steps.
Your provider may recommend a specialist for a more focused evaluation or treatment.
Your primary care team helps connect recommendations and follow-up with your overall health plan.
Not every specialist visit requires a primary care referral. Referral and coverage requirements vary — check with the clinic or your health plan.
Tap each stage to see what happens.
Step 1
Maria notices that her energy has changed over several weeks. She writes down her symptoms and schedules an appointment.
Maria notices she has been more tired than usual for a few weeks, so she schedules a visit with her primary care provider. At the visit, the provider asks how she has been feeling, reviews her health history and the medicines she takes, and talks with her about possible next steps — which may include a test, a follow-up visit, or simply watching how she feels.
Let's see what you've learned!
Stay involved in your care — your concerns and questions matter.
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