Primary care is inherently preventive healthcare. The goal of your primary care physician (PCP) is to detect any indicators of illness or infection, and to treat it before it can affect your health.
These doctors are generalists, not specialists: They treat the whole you. They have knowledge and expertise in the full spectrum of medicine, and they know how to help you manage your health in the long-term.
This physician conducts your regular wellness checkups, orders screening tests, and provides you with education and advice about various health issues you may be susceptible to. This doctor also collects all of your medical screenings and reports from the medical specialists you see, and they will ensure that you do not have any medications that have contraindications – working against each other, or providing an unwanted effect in your body.
Let’s talk about some of the key benefits of primary care, and where you can go throughout South Florida and Central Florida to see a world-class primary care physician.
Ongoing Relationship with Your Primary Care Doctor
A PCP is someone who can provide ongoing care for you throughout the different stages of your life. Over time, they will get to know you and your personal and family medical history thoroughly. This can help them in identifying areas that may require extra monitoring and in the early detection of health issues.
Routine Wellness Checkups for Maintaining Long-Term Health
Your primary care doctor will perform your routine wellness visits, which aim to detect potential red flags for emerging conditions or any changes in your overall health. During these checkups, your doctor can also identify certain risk factors and areas of health and wellness to focus on – so you can prevent potential health problems in the future.
The frequency of these visits will depend on factors such as your age, fitness, health history, and whether you have increased risk factors for particular diseases. During a wellness visit, your PCP will ensure that you are up-to-date with your necessary vaccinations (per your approval of course), as well as check your vital signs, such as:
- Blood pressure
- Heart rate
- Breathing rate and clarity
- Body temperature
- Oxygen levels
The doctor will also check your head, neck, and abdomen for any issues, and assess your hearing, vision, and reflexes. A routine visit with your PCP is also the perfect opportunity to ask questions or to raise any concerns you have about your health.
Early Detection of Health Conditions
Having a regular physical exam is an important way to help prevent health problems and to identify illnesses in their earliest stage, when treatment is likely to be most effective. Based on your age and/or susceptibilities, your PCP may recommend that you have certain screening tests or lab tests, such as a urinalysis or a blood test.
Screening tests and exams may include:
- Electrocardiogram (EKG, to check your heart health)
- Echocardiogram (another heart-health test)
- Mammogram (to check for breast cancer)
- PSA test (prostate-specific antigen levels in your blood)
- Manual prostate exam (a DRE, or digital rectal exam)
- Pap smear (to check for cervical cancer)
- Pulmonary function (lung) exam
- Manual breast exam
- Pelvic exam to check for lumps
Detecting any health-related problems in their early stages often results in less-invasive treatments and a better chance of recovery.
Primary Care in Central Florida and South Florida
If you are looking for high-quality, value-based primary care to help you stay as healthy as possible, Palm Medical Centers are here for you. If you have any questions about the benefits of preventive primary care, or to schedule an appointment, call us today at (833) 500-7256 (PALM) or fill out our online form to request an appointment. We look forward to being your primary doctor!
