One of the most important choices you can make is your primary care doctor. Primary care services include diagnosis and treatment for a broad range of medical conditions as well as preventive and wellness medical care, and you will want a physician who is motivated to keep you healthy.
Ideally, you will want a doctor who is closely associated with other medical specialists, preferably in the same medical complex to keep your healthcare all in one place. Let’s talk about the things you should consider in your search for the right primary care physician, and where you can go in the Midlands for an outstanding center for primary care.
Choose a Comprehensive Medical Center
If you like the convenience of going to one place for all your healthcare needs, then you will want to choose a center for primary care that offers a wide range of services. A medical center that has an onsite imaging facility is ideal, so you would not need to go elsewhere for screenings and diagnostics.
Similarly, if you need help with weight loss, choose a clinic that provides services in weight management. A physician-assisted weight loss program takes into account all of the factors that can prevent weight loss, not just the food you eat and activities you do. You want a weight loss plan that includes food you enjoy eating so that you will not only adhere to the plan, but continue the new way of eating and your revitalized lifestyle.
Another common issue for adults is problems sleeping through the night every night. In order to accurately diagnose and treat sleep issues, your doctor may recommend that you have what is called a “sleep lab.” This testing is done comfortably while you sleep overnight in a bedroom-like sleep laboratory, conducted by specially trained medical staff via electrodes placed on your skin in various places on your body. Rest assured, you will feel like you’re in a cozy hotel room.
Check the Background of the Healthcare Providers
While family doctors can provide primary care services for people of all ages, internal medicine doctors focus on treating adults. Internal medicine physicians specialize in diagnosing, treating, and preventing health conditions that typically affect adults, such as heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes.
In your search, consider the background of the doctors you are considering to determine whether they may be right for you – you will likely be surprised at how varied doctors’ backgrounds really are. If you have a certain type of health condition, choose a doctor who has expertise in treating patients with that same health condition.
Consider Insurance Accepted by the Primary Care Center
Be sure that the doctors at the medical center you’re considering do accept your health insurance or health coverage. If you are a veteran, an active-duty service member, or a family member of these, and you are on the TRICARE healthcare program, find a center for primary care that accepts this coverage.
Medical Center for Primary Care in Irmo, SC
Here at SC Internal Medicine Associates & Rehabilitation, our center for primary care offers a one-stop shop for our patients. In our facility, we can provide diagnostics, treatments, screenings, physicals, weight loss, and sleep medicine services for all adults, including those with occupational injuries and those who are on the TRICARE healthcare program. We are leaders in internal medicine and have served the Midlands community in South Carolina for over 30 years.
Our doctors are accepting new patients. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, call us today at (803) 749-1111 or fill out our convenient appointment request form. We look forward to being your partner in health!
