When you need to have an annual checkup, you see a primary care doctor. If you’re not feeling well or are experiencing symptoms that are out of the ordinary, it is ideal to see this physician, because they already know your health history and can therefore provide appropriate treatment if necessary.
Your primary care doctor will also refer you to the ideal medical specialist if you are exhibiting symptoms that may indicate a chronic condition, such as diabetes or a neurological issue. Let’s talk about a few of the key benefits of primary care, and where you can go to partner with an experienced and caring doctor who can be your go-to physician – for a lifetime of good health.
Primary Care Includes Regular Health Checkups
Primary care should be your first point of contact into healthcare. Although it might be tempting to make self-assessments of your health and to go ahead and see certain medical specialists, your primary care physician will probably save you a lot of time and hassle by providing specific advice and guidance.
You may be surprised at what your primary care doctor discovers at a routine checkup. This appointment usually includes a urinalysis and a blood screening, and these tests can reveal that you have a urinary tract infection (UTI), prediabetes, or other possible health issues. These can be successfully treated and thwarted if caught early.
Primary Care Includes Preventive Care
Because having regular checkups means receiving preventive medical care as necessary, studies have shown that patients who have primary care physicians tend to live longer than those who do not have a primary doctor. Your doctor will be able to not only notice early symptoms of a possible chronic issue that must be addressed, but also find and treat infections which often do not display any symptoms. For example, kidney issues usually do not create obvious symptoms, but they can become life-threatening if left undiagnosed and untreated.
Primary Care Includes Disease Management if Necessary
Patients who have a chronic disease will benefit greatly from having a single point of contact – their primary care doctor. The different specialists on your healthcare team will ask you who your primary care doctor is, and the specialist will then always share the results of your latest appointment with your primary doctor.
Primary Care Services in the Midlands
Here at SC Internal Medicine Associates and Rehabilitation, our primary care providers offer the full range of medical services to our patients. Our on-site specialties include diagnostics, internal medicine, sleep medicine, Tricare (for U.S. military and their families), weight loss, and even aesthetics. We also perform physicals, administer vaccinations, and treat patients who have work-related injuries.
If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, contact our friendly staff today by calling us at (803) 749-1111 or by filling out our easy-to-use appointment request form online now. We look forward to being your healthcare partner!
