Whenever you have a health concern, the first person you are likely to consult is your general practitioner (GP), or primary care doctor. After all, they know you and your medical history very well and can provide the care you need.
Not only that, but your GP is a doctor who has broad knowledge and the skills to treat a wide range of illnesses, provide screenings, and offer health advice for all ages. If you have multiple health needs, your GP can coordinate your healthcare by referring you to medical specialists.
Let’s take a closer look at the many important roles your general practitioner plays in your healthcare throughout your life.
The Comprehensive Services of a General Practitioner
A general practitioner is a doctor who not only has completed a basic medical degree and internship, but also has additional training that qualifies them to provide continuing care to everyone — regardless of their age, sexuality, cultural background, or current state of health. GPs can have their own practice, work in a hospital or residential care facility, and can even provide treatment in person or via telemedicine.
If you have a health issue that requires specialized care, your GP can refer you to another health professional. In fact, you can not receive a Medicare rebate to see a specialist unless you have a referral from your GP within the last 12 months or from another specialist within the last three months. In the case where you need to see several health professionals, your GP can coordinate your care.
It’s your GP’s responsibility to provide you with the care best suited to your individual needs. As such, your GP does more than just treat your condition – they treat you as a person who relies on their medical expertise by providing:
- Care for injuries and illnesses
- Ongoing care for a chronic condition
- Care during pregnancy
- Healthcare for children, adults, and seniors
- Preventive health and well-being services
- Prescriptions for medications
- Health screening for heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and other conditions
- Vaccinations
- Medical certificates or certified medical documents or reports of an injury
With all the services a general practitioner can offer, it’s important to have a GP you can trust and with whom you feel comfortable– like the dedicated healthcare professionals at Palm Medical Centers.
General Practitioner Near You in Tampa, Florida
Specializing in senior care, the dedicated physicians at Palm Medical Centers are highly qualified, trained, and experienced in their respective fields. Many have advanced training and are board-certified, ensuring that our patients receive the highest quality care.
We have multiple clinics throughout Central and Southern Florida where, in addition to providing comprehensive primary care for a wide range of medical conditions and illnesses, we excel at providing the type of high-quality, value-based primary healthcare services that can help keep you healthy through life.
Your primary care provider at Palm Medical Centers oversees your care. However, as one of our patients, you also gain access to a variety of healthcare specialists and social service guidance that can enhance your well-being and provide cost-saving benefits. Our diverse, dedicated care team utilizes the latest advances in modern medicine to diagnose, treat, and support our patients. The type of personalized, comprehensive healthcare we offer – with an emphasis on preventive care – can ensure you’re living your best possible life.
To discover all the benefits of becoming a patient at Palm Medical Centers, call us today at (833)500-PALM (7256) or send us a message now.
